Perceptions of family planning and abortion education at a faith-based medical school

The first survey of attitudes of medical students in Ireland towards termination of pregnancy

“…These studies described considerable variation in attitudes that is reflective of individual personal beliefs, legal environments and educational experiences. In cases where students expressed desire for additional abortion-related education material in their curriculum, or for more permissive laws regarding TOP, this did not necessarily correlate with a willingness to participate in abortions 9 15. Gleeson et al (2008) surveyed UK medical students’ attitudes towards TOP7 reporting that while 62% of the 300 students surveyed were prochoice, overall beliefs towards the status of the foetus and rights of women correlated with UK law, but was dependent on level of participation that would be required of the student and their religious background.…”

A comparison of medical student competency, attitudes and knowledge of abortion care after a structured clinical curriculum

“…19 Family planning educational curricula is well received by medical students. [20][21][22] After the University of New Mexico School of Medicine instituted a preclinical and clinical abortion curriculum with an optional clinical training opportunity, 96% of students surveyed reported that abortion was an appropriate topic for medical school education and 84% of the students who participated in the clinical training experience reported it was very important to their education. 21 Ob/Gyn residents who morally object to performing abortions can undergo partial participation in abortion training up to their level of comfort at many institutions, a practice shown to improve knowledge, capability, and the improved ability to care for patients with miscarriage.…”

Institutional Religious Policies That Follow Obstetricians and Gynecologists Into Practice

“…15 Furthermore, the majority of those who opt out of abortion training want to be able to provide contraception care, sterilization, and uterine evacuation procedures for miscarriage. 9,16,17 It is important for residents to understand that if they choose a faith-based program with restrictive policies, they may miss out on more than abortion training.…”