An online alternative: a qualitative study of virtual abortion values clarification workshops.

BACKGROUND: Following the U.S. Supreme Court Dobbs decision, access to abortion education is increasingly regionally dependent. Participation in values clarification workshops on abortion can improve abortion knowledge and reduce stigma. Traditionally, values clarification workshops occur in person, yet medical education increasingly utilizes online learning. We sought to understand how a virtual platform impacted medical students and Obstetrics and Gynecology (ObGyn) residents' experience with a values clarification workshop on abortion. METHODS: We conducted values clarification workshops over Zoom with medical students and ObGyn residents at four midwestern teaching hospitals from January 2021-December 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. We held semi-structured interviews with participants and facilitators to learn about how the virtual format impacted their experience with the workshop. Four researchers analyzed transcripts using an inductive approach to generate codes then themes. RESULTS: We interviewed 24 medical students, 13 ObGyn residents, and five workshop facilitators. Participants and facilitators found the virtual platform to have both unique advantages and disadvantages. Four central themes were identified: 1) Screen as a barrier: participants noted obstacles to conversation and intimacy. 2) Emotional safety: participants felt comfortable discussing sensitive topics. 3) Ease of access: participants could access virtual workshops regardless of location. 4) Technology-specific features: Zoom features streamlined aspects of the workshop and allowed for anonymous contributions to discussion. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a virtual platform can be a convenient and effective way to deliver values clarification workshops on abortion, and this technology could be leveraged to expand access to this training in areas without trained facilitators.

"We had to put ourselves in their shoes": Experiences of Medical Students and ObGyn Residents with a Values Clarification Workshop on Abortion.

Purpose: Values clarification workshops on abortion have been shown to increase support for abortion among healthcare workers. However, few studies have examined the impact of values clarification workshops on abortion among medical trainees. This study aimed to understand medical student and obstetrics and gynecology (ObGyn) residents' experiences with a virtual values clarification workshop on abortion. Methods: Clerkship year medical students and ObGyn residents at four midwestern teaching hospitals were invited to be interviewed about their experiences in a virtual values clarification workshop on abortion from January 2021 through December 2021. A single interviewer conducted interviews via Zoom using a standardized interview guide. Participants were asked to provide feedback and discuss their experiences in the workshop. Four qualitatively trained evaluators coded the interview transcripts in NVivo, using an inductive approach to establish consensus codes then themes. Results: This study interviewed 37 trainees, including 24 medical students and 13 ObGyn residents, as well as five facilitators, between November 2021 and February 2022. Three themes emerged in both trainee groups. First, participants found the workshops helped trainees clarify and understand their own views on abortion through thought exploration, peer validation, and reflection on their views' potential societal impacts. Second, through the workshop, participants reflected on others' opinions on abortion and better understood the spectrum of beliefs their peers held. Finally, participants found the workshops helped them explore and develop their professional identity as physicians-in-training, through practicing communication skills and building trust and mutual respect among peers. Conclusions: Medical trainees found values clarification workshops on abortion to be valuable, helping them establish their own beliefs about abortion, contextualize these beliefs among their peers', and practice professionalism. These findings indicate that values clarification workshops can play a key role in helping medical trainees discuss abortion and prepare for their professional future.

Universal access to contraception: women, families, and communities benefit.

Universal access to contraception benefits society: unintended pregnancies, maternal mortality, preterm birth, abortions, and obesity would be reduced by increasing access to affordable contraception. Women should be able to choose when and whether to use contraception, choose which method to use, and have ready access to their chosen method. State and national government should support unrestricted access to all contraceptives. As obstetrician-gynecologists, we have a critical mandate, based on principle and mission, to step up with leadership on this vital medical and public health issue, to improve the lives of women, their families, and society. The field of Obstetrics and Gynecology must provide the leadership for moving forward. The American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society (AGOS), representing academic and public policy leaders from across all disciplines of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is well positioned to serve as a unifying organization, focused on developing a strong unified advocacy voice to fight for accessible contraception for all in the United States.