Understanding of changes in abortion rate following liberalization of abortion law among Brazilian residents in obstetrics and gynecology

Objective To evaluate residents’ knowledge about the evolution of abortion rates in countries where abortion has been legalized, and to assess whether such knowledge correlates with residents’ sociodemographic characteristics and experience in abortion care. Methods A multicenter, cross‐sectional study was conducted in 21 Brazilian hospitals with 404 medical residents in obstetrics and gynecology. Data collection occurred during February 2015 through January 2016. Data were collected through a self‐administered, anonymous questionnaire. The χ2 test, Fisher exact test, and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed. Results Of residents, 60% believed that the abortion rate would increase after legalization; 82% had been involved in the care of women with incomplete abortion and 71% in the care of women admitted for legal abortion. Associations were found between knowledge of the evolution of the abortion rate after legalization and region of birth, region of medical school, and importance attached to religion. Multiple regression confirmed that studying medicine in the south/southeast of Brazil and attaching little importance to religion were associated with knowing that legalization does not lead to an increase in abortion rate. Conclusion Information relating to abortion in medical schools and during residency is very limited and should be improved. Most obstetrics and gynecology residents in Brazil are not aware that the abortion rate remains the same or is reduced after legalization of abortion. Inclusion of abortion in the syllabus at medical school or during residency is not associated with increased awareness of this association.