Views and practices of induced abortion among Australian fellows and trainees of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: a second study

Objectives: Knowledge of current practices of abortion is important for planning of health services in Australia and for future training. Aims: To conduct an online survey of the Fellows and specialist trainees of RANZCOG regarding their views and practices of induced abortion and compare these with results of a similar study from 2010. Methods and Materials: A questionnaire was distributed to Australian Fellows and specialist trainees. Data collected were descriptively analysed and thematic analysis used for free comments. Results: Approximately 25% of those emailed responded (632 of 2542); 13.7% reported total opposition to abortion on religious or conscientious grounds; the remainder did not. 83.5% believed that abortion should be part of general obstetric and gynaecological practice; 90% believed that education about abortion should be part of the curriculum for RANZCOG trainees. 92% supported public hospital provision of abortion services. A range of views was explored using thematic analysis. Discussion: While a majority of Fellows and trainees do not hold religious or conscientious objections to abortion a significant minority do; this has changed little since 2010. Many respondents distinguish between ‘medical’ and ‘social’ indications for abortion although definitions of ‘social’ appear variable. There was strong support for the inclusion of abortion in the Fellowship training curriculum. Conclusion: Although the response rate was lower than for the 2010 survey participants expressed strong support for the provision of abortion services in the public sector in Australia, and for incorporation of information about abortion in the training curriculum for Fellowship of RANZCOG