Investigating the need for and identifying support systems for providers of second-trimester abortion services

The stigma and political polarization surrounding second-trimester abortion care creates unique challenges for clinical and other staff providing these services. Little research has addressed the characteristics and experiences of clinicians and staff that provide second-trimester (defined here as 14 weeks 0 days gestation or later) abortion services. We collected detailed information on providers' experiences with second-trimester abortion to identify strategies to support providers who offer these services. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 14 participants and 2 key informants working at abortion clinics in Iowa and Nebraska. Participants were asked about their experiences providing abortion services, their roles and activities, experiences of stigma, job satisfaction, support systems, preferred strategies for coping with stress, and thoughts on improving abortion care for clients and providers. Interviews were thematically analyzed. Participants reported a range of roles including clinical, managerial, and administrative activities. They often perceived a lack of support for their work from extended family and community members, and described feelings of social isolation; challenges were related to providing abortion and not specific to second-trimester services. Participants expressed a desire for better mental health services as well as broader, interactive support systems in which to discuss and process their work. Data analysis will be completed by the time of the conference and we will report on full sample results. Creating and promoting better social support systems for second trimester abortion providers could improve their work experiences and quality of life, potentially increasing job satisfaction and retention which could improve women's access to abortion.