Demand for abortion training and technical assistance in primary care: Unmet need and programmatic interventions

Abstract

Objective: Quantify primary care provider requests for abortion training and technical assistance (TA) and availability of programs to support abortion provision.

Study design: We reviewed requests for training and TA from four programs focused on capacity building for abortion care. Collectively, these programs serve every region of the United States.

Results: Between January 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022, the programs received 207 requests for training and/or TA from individuals and organizations in 30 states. Approximately 60% of requests went unfulfilled due to programs' capacity constraints.

Conclusions: Unmet demand for training and TA to integrate abortion into primary care is significant. Increasing the availability of training and TA could increase the abortion workforce and improve access to care.

Keywords: Abortion; Abortion provision; Abortion training; Primary care; Technical assistance.