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Choosing where to apply for residency (training) programs is a significant decision and according to a survey published online in the Journal of Medical Ethics, state access to abortion is a key factor for around 75% of future US doctors.
These medical students value the quality of care they will be able to provide patients when qualified, as well as the options for their own health, the responses indicate.
In 2022 the US Supreme Court revoked the constitutional right to privacy and autonomy over personal reproductive choices that had been enshrined in law since Roe v Wade in 1973.
The new ruling, known as Dobbs, returned the authority to regulate abortion to the people and their elected representatives, causing state legislation regarding access to reproductive health care to be in flux.
The researchers point out that reproductive health care and contraception are increasingly important for residents, over half of whom are now women.
To gauge the potential impact of the ruling on residency program choices for 2022–3, the researchers surveyed third- and fourth-year students from 125 US medical schools, all of whom were applying for these training programs between August and October 2022.
In all, 604 medical students responded, but the analysis is based on the responses of 494 who answered all the questions fully.
Most respondents said that geographic location, lifestyle and hobbies, as well as being near family or significant others, would likely or very likely influence their residency selection process.
Similarly, most respondents said changes in abortion access would likely or very likely influence their decision as to where to apply, where to start a family, contraceptive service provision, and to which specialty to apply.
Of the 74 free text comments made, 56 reflected support for abortion rights and 12 opposition. Well over half (58%) of respondents indicated they were unlikely or very unlikely to apply to a state with abortion restrictions.
It’s clear that access to abortion is a major concern for future doctors in their decision-making process. You can read more about this survey here.