SPOTLIGHT on a Published Research Study
Review of existing research indicates no difference in patient safety between outpatient procedures performed in ambulatory surgical centers vs physician’s offices
For decades, abortions have been safely performed in physician's offices and clinics. However, some states have passed laws that require abortion facilities to meet ambulatory surgery center (ASC) standards, arguing that meeting such standards will improve patient safety.
In a systematic review of existing research to determine whether abortion facility type and characteristics impact patient safety, ANSIRH found no difference in patient safety for outpatient procedures performed in ASCs vs. physician's offices. ANSIRH also found that laws singling out abortion facilities which require them to meet ASC standards have decreased the availability of services for women seeking abortion.
The full, open-access study can be found on the PLoS One website.