The impact of abortion values clarification and attitude transformation (VCAT) workshops on Rwandan healthcare providers' stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs about abortion.

Abstract Unsafe abortions are a major cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Rwanda. Even though abortion is legal under certain situations, many healthcare providers are reluctant to offer these services because of personal beliefs. This often forces women to seek unsafe methods that endanger their health and lives. Our study looked at whether a training workshop could help change healthcare providers’ attitudes toward abortion, making them more understanding and willing to help women who need safe abortion services. We used data from 18 midwives and doctors who provide abortion services in Rwanda. They had participated in a five-day training that included discussions about personal beliefs around abortion and had been trained on safe abortion practices. To understand how their attitudes changed, we looked at data about their beliefs and feelings toward abortion both before and after the training and again six weeks later. The results showed a clear improvement in their attitudes. Before the training, many had strong negative views, but after, they became much more supportive of providing safe abortion care. Nearly all participants said they no longer held negative beliefs about women who need abortions or about providing these services. In conclusion, this study suggests that workshop and training programs that help people clarify their own values and attitudes on abortion can help create a more supportive environment for safe abortion care in Rwanda, ultimately protecting women’s health and reducing deaths due to unsafe abortion.