Newswise — A new publication published in JAMA Health Forum finds that state abortion bans are placing significant stress on obstetricians and gynecologists (OBGYNs), affecting patient care, physician well-being, and medical training.
The study examines how abortion restrictions implemented after the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision have impacted the OBGYN workforce across the United States.
Researchers found that while there has not been a large nationwide exodus of OBGYNs from states with abortion bans, physicians in those states are experiencing serious challenges. Many report being unable to provide standard medical care, leading to delays in treatment and difficult ethical decisions.
The study also highlights growing mental health concerns among OBGYNs practicing in restrictive states, including increased stress, burnout, and disrupted sleep.
“OBGYNs in states with abortion bans are navigating an increasingly difficult landscape where legal uncertainty can interfere with providing timely, evidence-based care,” said Julia Strasser, researcher and director of the Reproductive Health Workforce & Policy Research Center, in the Fitzhugh Mullan Institute of Health Workforce Equity. “Our review shows that while many physicians remain committed to caring for patients in these states, the stress on the workforce is real — affecting physician well-being, medical training, and, ultimately, patient care.”
In addition, abortion restrictions are influencing the next generation of doctors. Residency training programs are facing logistical challenges to ensure students receive required abortion care training, resulting in changes to the clinical skills that residents learn and may affect which programs residents choose for their future training.
The researchers call for continued monitoring of the workforce and stronger institutional support to help physicians deliver high-quality care within changing legal environments.
The review, “State-Level Abortion Bans and the OBGYN Workforce” was published in JAMA Health Reform.
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