Comparing hospital- vs. non-hospital-affiliated clinic adoption of abortion innovations and cash-pay availability during the COVID-19 pandemic: A secondary analysis of a United States nationwide survey.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We examined differences between hospital-affiliated clinics and non-hospital-affiliated clinics (independent or Planned Parenthood clinics) regarding abortion service innovation and cash-pay availability in response to COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed data from all three phases of a longitudinal nationwide survey of abortion providers conducted by the Society of Family Planning. RESULTS: This study utilizes a convenience sample of 74 voluntarily participating clinics, representing about 5% of clinics nationwide. Compared to non-hospital-affiliated clinics, hospital-affiliated clinics were more likely to initiate care innovations but were less likely to offer cash-pay during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Both hospital-affiliated and non-hospital-affiliated clinics enacted patient-centered care innovations during the pandemic. Hospital-affiliated clinics were more likely to initiate innovative services, particularly surrounding telemedicine. Hospital-affiliated clinics can improve cash-pay availability to expand access to abortion care in times of national emergencies.