AMSA believes that abortion services are a vital component of reproductive health care; that physicians who provide abortion care are essential to our communities; and that their practice should be legally protected and available to all in need regardless of how much they earn, who they work for, or what state they live in.
The AMSA Abortion Care & Reproductive Health Project is dedicated to advancing these values, and is pleased to offer virtual and in-person group clinical skills training opportunities for AMSA medical student members and Chapters. All workshops are available at no cost and customized to meet group needs. Please scroll down to explore our current offerings!
A clinical skills training workshop that teaches participants how to use the manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) procedure to remove pulp and seeds from a papaya or dragonfruit. This simulates the process of suctioning the products of conception from the uterus. MVA is a safe and effective method for early surgical abortion, miscarriage management, and more.
To arrange a customized, no cost workshop complete this Interest Form
Abortion values clarification and attitude transformation (VCAT) workshops are conducted with abortion providers, trainers, and trainees to help mitigate the effects of abortion stigma and increase provision of and access to abortion care. Through this workshop, we explore our own values and internal/external biases, which can better clarify and de-stigmatize the reasons why many folx seek abortion care.
To arrange a customized, no cost workshop complete this Interest Form
Performing traditional pelvic exams can cause discomfort in folx who are differently-abled or disabled. These experiences can lead to distrust and less likelihood to access medical care in the future. This workshop will review some common barriers to sexual and reproductive healthcare for bodies which are often stigmatized. Everyone deserves safe, comfortable and patient centered reproductive health care.
To arrange a customized, no cost workshop complete this Interest Form
Practicing trauma-informed care, especially in the realm of reproductive health, is a harm reduction approach. We will review the principles, and best practices, for trauma informed care, including physical and emotional safety, building trust between providers and patients, a collaborative approach to the treatment process, sensitivity to cultural and gender identity, and most importantly, lifting up patient autonomy by empowering patients to take an active role in their care.
To arrange a customized, no cost workshop complete this Interest Form
Self-managed abortion (accessing pills or other herbal/medicinal preparations to end a pregnancy without assistance from the medical system) has become a more popular vehicle for abortion care with bans and barriers to access increasing. Learn how medical professionals can be a helpful support system for anyone self-managing their abortion, which we know can be a safe and effective method. We will discuss stigma reduction, how not to be a “mandatory reporter” , and how to advocate for our patients.
To arrange a customized, no cost workshop complete this Interest Form