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Date of Award
Spring 2023
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Gina Montefusco Beldner, MS, PA-C
Abstract
Abortion is a safe and common medical procedure. The stigma surrounding abortion in the United States has resulted in hundreds of restrictions on the procedure at both the state and federal level. Altogether, these restrictions are referred to as Targeted Regulation of Abortion Provider (TRAP) laws because they limit access to abortion by placing unnecessary, and in some cases insurmountable, barriers on both providers and patients. One example of a TRAP law that is particularly relevant to the Physician Assistant (PA) profession is the requirement in many states that only a physician may perform abortions. Studies have shown similar efficacy and complication rates for abortion procedures completed by both physicians and advanced practice clinicians (APCs). There is no evidence-based rationale to prohibit PAs and other APCs from providing abortion with proper training, particularly in the first trimester.
Recommended Citation
Collette, Lauren, "Advocating for the Provision of First-Trimester Abortions by Physician Assistants" (2023). Capstone Showcase. 59.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2023/pa/59
Advocating for the Provision of First-Trimester Abortions by Physician Assistants
Abortion is a safe and common medical procedure. The stigma surrounding abortion in the United States has resulted in hundreds of restrictions on the procedure at both the state and federal level. Altogether, these restrictions are referred to as Targeted Regulation of Abortion Provider (TRAP) laws because they limit access to abortion by placing unnecessary, and in some cases insurmountable, barriers on both providers and patients. One example of a TRAP law that is particularly relevant to the Physician Assistant (PA) profession is the requirement in many states that only a physician may perform abortions. Studies have shown similar efficacy and complication rates for abortion procedures completed by both physicians and advanced practice clinicians (APCs). There is no evidence-based rationale to prohibit PAs and other APCs from providing abortion with proper training, particularly in the first trimester.