Date of Award

5-2023

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

MS in Human Genetics

First Advisor

Laura Hercher

Abstract

Prenatal genetic counselors play an important role in coordinating abortion services for patients. The overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 led to new restrictions on abortion which have raised questions about GC's documentation practices in the electronic health record (EHR). The purpose of this study is to understand what impact current abortion restrictions have had on GC documentation practice, and what the current level of concern is regarding the potential impact of EHR information on patients and clinicians. An eleven-question survey containing multiple choice, likert scale, and open-ended questions was distributed to prenatal genetic counselors through the National Society of Genetic Counselors and social media. Data from 120 participants were analyzed. Participants were grouped as practicing in one of three types of states based on existing state laws governing abortion: protective, intermediate, and restrictive. Most participants, 83.9%, reported that concerns about what goes into the medical record have been discussed in their workplaces, and 50% noted changes in practice since June 2022. In response to open-ended questions, a number of our participants suggested that healthcare providers are turning to the use of vague or coded language for documentation of information related to abortion care. Many participants also noted that patients have changed their behaviors, and show increased reluctance to discuss abortion (58.7%) or share information related to their current pregnancy (53.4%). Among GC’s answering this survey, 96% were very or somewhat interested in legal guidance to determine if pregnancy-related information in the medical record could create legal jeopardy for them and their patients. Participants from intermediate states were significantly more likely than those from protective (p=0.0094) or restrictive (p=0.0056) states to express an interest in legal guidance.

Download

Share

COinS