A systematic review of existing research indicates there is no difference in patient safety for outpatient procedures performed in ASCs vs. physician offices. There is no evidence to suggest that requiring that abortions be performed in specific types of facilities increases patient safety or improves patient experience, and may instead have an adverse effect, limiting the availability of abortion services. Laws that single out abortion facilities with specific facility requirements are not based in research evidence.
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While abortion has a well-documented patient safety record, an increasing number of states have enacted laws that impose specific requirements for facilities in which abortions are performed. This brief presents results from a systematic review of existing research on the effect of facility requirements on patient outcomes across outpatient procedures, including abortion. Researchers find no evidence to suggest that requiring that abortions be performed in specific types of facilities increases patient safety or improves patient experience, and may instead have an adverse effect, limiting the availability of abortion services.