Counseling Patients on Contraception Access
A Guide to Patient-Centered, Evidence-Based Conversations
With many facets of reproductive health care becoming targets for restrictive policies and legislation, patients may have questions about their ability to access needed abortion care today or in the future. ACOG members can help their patients by explaining the current status of access to abortion.
Ob-gyns should be familiar with the legal status of abortion in their state, including any gestational bans; laws that impose restrictions, burdens, or delays on patients seeking abortion care; or protections for abortion care.
Below are counseling considerations for ob-gyns whose patients have questions about the future of access to abortion care:
- Clinicians can reassure their patients that the recent election has not immediately changed the federal legal landscape related to access to abortion.
- Clinicians should be prepared to counsel patients on the full range of options available and the extent of care they are able to provide as permitted by the law in their state. Patients who are concerned about threats to access to abortion in their state may benefit from patient-centered contraceptive counseling. Although birth control does not mitigate the harm of abortion bans, use of effective contraception can give patients peace of mind about the potential need for abortion care in the future.
- Patients should be aware that they can acquire emergency contraception in advance of need. This can empower patients to prevent a pregnancy without facing barriers to acquiring emergency contraception when in need.
- Patients with questions about self-managed abortion should be counseled that self-managed abortion using standard medication abortion regimens acquired through reputable sources is incredibly safe and effective, though legal risks may exist. Doctors should be aware of strategies they can take to reduce legal risks to patients, and make sure patients know where they can safety present if follow-up care is needed. You can find more information in ACOG’s Committee Statement on Self-Managed Abortion.
Individuals who are frustrated and concerned about potential threats to abortion should be assured that ACOG, of which you are a member, is working hard to defend access to abortion care for all patients in need. Consider empowering them by encouraging them to contact their elected officials and making sure that they are registered to vote in the next election.