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As someone deeply connected with the current generation of medical students and residents, I’ve noticed a hesitancy among many to pursue a career as an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN). Certain pro-abortion news outlets, medical organizations, and physicians wrongly attribute the shortage of OB-GYNs to the recent Dobbs v. Jackson decision, suggesting that new doctors are primarily interested in performing abortions.
However, this shortage has been escalating for some time, and the pressure for OB-GYNs to embrace abortion or face consequences is pushing many towards other specialties.
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which oversees the medical school admission process, has been addressing this deficit long before states enacted post-Roe fetal protection laws. Additionally, reports from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have highlighted these concerns for at least a decade, with a projected shortage dating back to 2013.
HHS estimates that by 2030 there will be a significant shortage, with only 90% of the required number of OB-GYNs available. (iStock)
A 2022 report by the March of Dimes revealed that 36% of counties in the United States lack adequate maternity care, resulting in a scarcity of OB-GYNs. As this shortage worsens, HHS estimates that by 2030 there will be only 90% of the required number of OB-GYNs available.
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It’s crucial for us to understand why this situation is unfolding and recognize that it is not caused by restrictions in pro-life states. Students and residents who wish to pursue elective abortions have the option to receive education and practice in states where fetal protection laws are not in place.
Furthermore, all medically necessary procedures, including addressing life-threatening conditions like spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) and ectopic pregnancy, are taught in states with limited access to elective abortions. The American Association for Pro-Life Gynecologists and Obstetricians affirms the support of pro-life medical practitioners for such treatments, proving that this aspect of education remains unaffected.
Moreover, the AAMC’s study suggesting a decrease in medical school applicants from “abortion banned” states lacks statistical analysis to support its conclusion. However, the study does demonstrate a significant decline in senior MD OB-GYN applicants across all states, including those with abortion protections in their state constitutions.
Additionally, there is no evidence to suggest that applicants have increased in more pro-abortion states while decreasing in more pro-life states.
So, what is the cause of the overall decrease in the OB-GYN specialty?
One contributing factor is the concern among pro-life medical students and residents about facing persecution. As a current medical school applicant who is actively involved in medical student programming with Students for Life of America and Future Medical Professionals for Life, I regularly hear stories from students who prefer to pursue less controversial specialties out of fear of persecution. Some students even choose alternative career paths after completing medical school or residency.
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It’s important to highlight that only 14 percent of practicing OB-GYNs provide abortions in their practice, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Discriminating against individuals who have moral reservations about performing abortions, when the majority of OB-GYNs do not provide them, will discourage new parties interested in practicing Hippocratic medicine, which revolves around the principle of doing no harm.
The AAMC is correct in acknowledging that legislatures need to consider the impact of fetal protection laws on the physician workforce. Pro-life states must take steps to attract students back to their states and protect their OB-GYN workforce. This can be achieved by implementing conscious protections and passing innovative pro-life medical education bills that provide adequate funding.
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In conclusion, pro-life medical students and residents are more likely to remain in the much-needed OB-GYN specialty if they have the assurance that they can practice compassionate, life-affirming medicine from the beginning of their medical education until retirement.
Considering the long-standing shortage of OB-GYNs and the documented evidence over the past several years, it is essential for the medical education system to avoid discriminating against students who desire an evidence-based, pro-life practice. Let’s not hinder those who are dedicated to upholding the principles of the Hippocratic oath.
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