Abstract

Question: Do clinicians providing abortion practicing in states that restrict abortion experience more moral distress than those practicing in states that protect abortion? Findings: In this national, purposive survey study of 310 clinicians providing abortion, moral distress was elevated among all clinicians, with those practicing in restrictive states reporting higher levels of moral distress compared with those practicing in protective states. Meaning: The findings suggest that structural changes addressing bans on necessary health care, such as federal protection for abortion, are needed at institutional, state, and federal policy levels to address clinician moral distress.