JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

University education for physicians and midwives in sexual and reproductive health (SRH), particularly regarding abortion, is shaped by broader societal debates, which are often polarised. Teaching at faith-based universities might limit the scope and quality of sexual and reproductive health education. The study is contextualized within Chile’s shifting legal and social landscape following the landmark 2017 reform under President Michelle Bachelet. This reform partially lifted Chile’s absolute ban on abortion, permitting it under three circumstances: risk to the mother’s life, fatal foetal anomaly, a pregnancy resulting from rape. The protocol presented here intends to examine how the enacted legislation plays out in the curricula and how abortion is taught in secular and faith-based universities which often take conflicting stances on abortion.

Methods:

we present here a research protocol designed to investigate the perceptions of Chilean medical and midwifery students and faculty regarding sexual and reproductive health, with a particular focus on abortion. The study employs a mixed-methods design that combines qualitative in-person interviews and quantitative online surveys. This approach seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how the interplay between individual beliefs, institutional policies, and broader societal values shapes attitudes on abortion and related reproductive health issues. It also aims to explore how these factors influence the education and training of future healthcare providers, their willingness to address sexual and reproductive health issues, and their ability to provide patient-centred care. Discussion: This research is significant in addressing the cultural and political tensions surrounding abortion in Chile, as it highlights the need to balance individual rights and conscientious objection with the ethical obligation to guarantee equitable access to healthcare. By probing the views of students and faculty, the study seeks to inform policies and educational strategies that promote reproductive rights, respect diverse beliefs, and enhance healthcare delivery. Insights from this research may have broader implications for countries grappling with similar challenges in reproductive health policy and education.