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America is facing a severe abortion provider shortage. FACT: In 1996, 86% of all counties in the United States had no abortion provider. 32% of women of reproductive age live in these counties. It is not enough for abortion to be legal. If a woman does not have reasonable access to abortion, she may see it as unattainable and injure herself attempting a self-induced abortion. Where have all the abortion providers gone? MS4C proposes several answers.
Some of the doctors have been scared off. Anti-choice activists know that the availability of doctors is the weak link in abortion rights. Their tactics of intimidation, harassment, and violence have taken a toll.
Other doctors have reached retirement age. Many of these doctors are pioneers whose deep commitment to safe, legal abortion was shaped by having witnessed firsthand the tragic effects of botched self-induced abortions. Who will step forward to take their place? Who can step forward to take their place? The next generation of abortion providers is not being trained.
FACTS: A 1992 study revealed that 47% of chief residents of OB/GYN programs have never performed a first-trimester abortion. Another 1992 study concluded that only 12% of U.S. OB/GYN residency programs require routine training in first-trimester abortions. According to a 1996 study, only 7% of all abortions are performed in hospitals, where most medical students and residents are trained. Although U.S. medical schools provide training in other standard obstetrics and gynecological services, most provide little, if any training in abortion.
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