The lack of abortion training is a critical contributing factor to the lack of abortion access.  Despite a range of initiatives to address the lack of training, many with different approaches and capacity, abortion training can be both difficult to find and obtain for clinicians.

"As a family medicine resident, the doors to this mysterious world of reproductive health are closed. Connecting with AAP has opened these doors and introduced me to a community of supporters," notes Leslie Strickland, a medical resident who recently worked with AAP to become trained in abortion.

AAP first met Dr. Leslie Strickland as part of our work in Wisconsin, where Leslie is currently completing her residency in family medicine. AAP triaged Leslie's training needs, connected her with AAP's close partner organization, the Midwest Access Project, and provided financial support for Leslie's time in Chicago, the site of her training.

The barriers to abortion training Leslie experienced are not unique: "As a family practice resident in Wisconsin, and after visiting other residencies in the US, I can say that it is very difficult to obtain abortion training as a family medicine resident."  Because training in abortion is available in only 29% of family medicine residencies (Steinauer et al, 1997), it is, according to Leslie, "something that has to be sought out."  Even elective training arranged independently by the resident can be met with opposition.  "I knew I wanted training but it took a lot of courage for me to bring it up in residency interviews to know if I would be supported if I were to seek out the training," notes Leslie.

"But when I received a survey from AAP on abortion training, that's when I leapt at the chance.  At my residency, we are not exposed at all to abortions, medical or surgical. Even to bring it up has caused some friction.  So to have different organizations such as the Abortion Access Project, the Midwest Access Project, Planned Parenthood, and independent clinics like All Women's Health (one of the Midwest Access Project's training sites) working together to assist residents in getting training is essential to the future of abortion delivery in the United States. Indeed without the help of those groups, I would not have access to any training.  Interestingly enough, in addition to abortion training, I learned a huge amount about contraception and IUD placement. I am so glad I had the experience since it is so lacking in my residency."

Concludes Leslie, "I had no idea how I would get abortion training in my residency, but once AAP got me connected with MAP, they made it so easy.  They have opened up a whole world for me that I otherwise would not have access to, and with the training I received I believe I can provide abortions in the future."