"Instead of just giving someone a number": Evaluation findings from the pilot implementation of an abortion referrals intervention in Southern states

Background: Health care and social service providers often serve as a critical link to getting women quality, compassionate care for a range of health care needs. Despite playing this important role, professionals often do not have the tools or support to assist women facing unintended pregnancy, particularly in situations where a woman does not want to continue her pregnancy. 'Referrals for Unintended Pregnancy Curriculum', the first evidence-based curriculum designed to support primary health and social service providers in their professional roles as connectors to care, is presently in the field in Southern and Midwestern states.

Methods: The first year of the abortion referrals training intervention was evaluated using matched pre-/post-surveys of and in-depth interviews with training participants.

Results: 500 training participants participated across 40 trainings. Trainee satisfaction with the curriculum was high (over 80% ‘very satisfied’). By the end of their training, 94% of trainees agreed with the statement, “I have the skills and information I need to effectively counsel a client with an unintended pregnancy on all her options.” The percentage of trainees who agree that abortion is medically safe increased from 68% to 94%. In the area of practice intention, participants’ intention to present all pregnancy options without judgment or bias increased, along with the intention to provide a referral for abortion care if the client requests it.

Conclusion: Trainings can be an effective tool to shift knowledge/attitudes and practice intention regarding abortion referrals in Southern and Midwestern states.