Reproductive Decisions, Training in

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that all medical students and family medicine residents receive comprehensive training in reproductive decision making. Curricula and training should include but are not limited to: contraception, surgical and non-surgical management of ectopic pregnancy,options counseling, miscarriage management, and referral services. While medical students and family medicine residents should learn about medical and surgical abortion, participation in these procedures should be on an opt-in basis.

The American Academy of Family Physicians supports pathways for medical students and family medicine residents to receive clinical training in medication and procedural abortions at other locations when access to abortion is restricted or illegal in a home institution.

Entities that provide pregnancy or abortion services must clearly and honestly communicate the services they offer and any referrals before care begins. They should support oversight mechanisms for organizations offering pregnancy-related services and counseling, and ensure that all care is delivered by qualified, licensed professionals in compliance with federal health information privacy laws. Entities should advocate for public funding of organizations that provide complete, non-directive, and medically accurate information to help patients make informed and voluntary decisions.

The AAFP believes that no physician or healthcare professional shall be required to perform actions that violate moral and ethical beliefs.

The AAFP also strongly believes that there is an ethical obligation to provide complete and accurate medical information and referrals for desired services for all patients, and to ensure that when referrals are made, they are made for appropriate evidence-based services.

(1995) (July 2026 BOD)