Contraception and abortion attitudes among military medical students: An exploratory study

Objectives: To investigate military medical students’ attitudes toward contraception and abortion after clerkships. Study design: We adapted a survey of civilian medical student attitudes for military students. We asked how clerkships changed perspectives and comfort discussing these topics. Results: Eighty-five (85%) of 100 respondents felt more comfortable discussing contraception and abortion after clerkships. More students changed perspectives on contraception than abortion (29% vs 17%, p = 0.043). Students noted limited exposure to abortion. Conclusions: Clerkships increased comfort discussing contraception and abortion but were unlikely to change their attitudes. Implications: More exposure to abortion care is needed.