Attitudes and experiences with termination of pregnancy among Irish
obstetrics & gynaecology trainees in the context of recent legal
change: a survey study
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to examine Irish obstetrics
and gynaecology trainees’ experiences with and opinions of termination
of pregnancy (ToP) after legal change. Design: this is a cross-sectional
web-based survey study. Setting: Republic of Ireland. Population: We
invited obstetrics & gynaecology non-consultant hospital doctors
(NCHDs) to participate in a web-based survey through a professional
e-mail listserv. Methods: We conducted descriptive statistical analyses
of responses using Stata SE Version 16. Main outcome measures: Irish
NCHDs’ reported future willingness to provide ToP. Results: A total of
102/202 (50.5%) trainees responded to the survey. Of these, 61.8%
believe that ToP should be allowed on request up to 12 weeks and in
limited circumstances thereafter (in line with current Irish law), and
19.6% believe ToP should be allowed on request even after 12 weeks.
Knowledge about the abortion law was high (70.6% achieved a perfect
knowledge score). Since the new law came into effect, 61.8% of trainees
reported having participated in abortion care, though only 25.5% have
performed surgical procedures. More than 75% of respondents would like
to receive more training in all clinical skills related to ToP (early
pregnancy ultrasound, first and second trimester medical and surgical
abortion). In the future, 67.6% of respondents would be willing to
provide TOP in all circumstances allowed by law. Conclusions: Irish
obstetrics & gynaecology trainees are generally supportive of the
legislation. Few trainees have performed surgical abortions, and most
would like to receive additional training in clinical skills related to
abortion care.