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Experiences of prenatal genetic counselors with abortion regulations in Ohio

Heuerman, Anne
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1592133539865669

Abstract Details

2020, MS, University of Cincinnati, Medicine: Genetic Counseling.
Since 2011, Ohio has enacted 13 regulatory restrictions targeting abortions and abortion providers, coinciding with 12 abortion clinic closures. This study investigates how Ohio’s current and proposed regulations of abortion affects genetic counselors’ practices. Participants were recruited from professional society directories and by snowball sampling. Five focus groups were conducted in 2019 with 17 genetic counselors who have counseled prenatal patients in Ohio since 2010. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed thematically. Participants expressed that Ohio’s abortion regulations negatively impact prenatal genetic counselors, their patients, and the counselors’ perceptions of Ohio’s policymakers. Participants conveyed that the rapidly changing legislative landscape makes it difficult for them to maintain up-to-date knowledge about current abortion legislation, which results in them being confused and uncertain. Participants expressed frustration with Ohio’s current abortion regulations and despair about proposed legislation and believed that regulations led to decreased patient autonomy and increased health care disparities. Participants also questioned the medical justification for abortion regulations and how lawmakers lack understanding and empathy for their patients with fetal anomalies. This study found that Ohio’s abortion regulations limit genetic counselors’ ability to effectively advocate for their patients. Innovative communication tools and professional society advocacy may be needed to ameliorate the negative effects of these regulations.
Michelle Mcgowan, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Armand Antommaria, M.D. (Committee Member)
Nichole Smith, M.S. (Committee Member)
Leandra Tolusso, M.S. (Committee Member)
34 p.
Genetics
genetic counseling; abortion; prenatal; termination; pregnancy; TRAP laws

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Heuerman, A. (2020). Experiences of prenatal genetic counselors with abortion regulations in Ohio [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1592133539865669

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Heuerman, Anne. Experiences of prenatal genetic counselors with abortion regulations in Ohio. 2020. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1592133539865669.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Heuerman, Anne. "Experiences of prenatal genetic counselors with abortion regulations in Ohio." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1592133539865669

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1592133539865669
147
© 2020, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.
Release 3.2.12