The US Supreme Court Dobbs decision's impact on the future plans of 2023 residency graduates at the University of Utah

Contraception. 2024 Feb:130:110328. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2023.110328. Epub 2023 Nov 15.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to understand how the Dobbs decision impacted graduating resident physicians in Utah and to understand residents' perspectives on abortion access.

Study design: We invited all 2023 graduating residents at the University of Utah, from all specialties, to participate in this survey. We analyzed univariate relationships between respondent demographics and change of career plans post-Dobbs. We also performed a thematic analysis of free text responses.

Results: We received responses from 85 residents (55% of all graduating residents from the University of Utah) representing 19 specialties. Six (7%) residents changed their practice location due to the Dobbs decision. Most residents supported and wanted to advocate for legal abortion. In a thematic analysis, many graduating residents do not want to live in an abortion-restrictive state.

Conclusions: The Dobbs decision impacts physicians across all specialties, not just obstetrician/gynecologists.

Implications: Future research into the impact of the Dobbs decision should include physicians of all specialties.

Keywords: Abortion access; Advocacy; Career decisions; Dobbs.

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Induced*
  • Abortion, Legal
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency*
  • Physicians*
  • Pregnancy
  • Supreme Court Decisions
  • United States
  • Utah