How would you respond if a patient asks your thoughts on the topic of abortion?

PA school MMI processes are designed to gauge how potential students will react and handle real-life scenarios they may face during their clinical rotations during schooling and in practice in the future. You can prepare well for this and similar questions by practicing your response to a friend or loved one before your interview.

Because this question states that the patient is asking for your thoughts on the topic, you can give them. But you'll need to be wary that if you do, you'll need to be professional in your approach and encourage the patient to make their own choices for their health and well-being. Declining to give your opinion in this situation is also appropriate as long as you can state this in a professional and empathetic manner.

"Since the patient asked, I wouldn't hesitate to let them know that I believe that abortion is warranted as an option for those with specific medical conditions that put the mother at risk. Of course, a huge part of this decision would depend on my relationship with the patient and my comfort with having a direct conversation like this with them. I would also tell the patient that every person is entitled to their own opinion and eventual decisions on the matter and that I, as their healthcare provider, will be there to help them make an informed decision."