fbpx

Will a Post-Roe World Cause an OB/GYN Brain-Drain?

Will a Post-Roe World Cause an OB/GYN Brain-Drain?

Mimi Zieman, M.D. tells us that medical students and residents interested in OB/GYN are avoiding states with abortion bans.

Will a Post-Roe world cause an OB/GYN brain-drain?

Yes.

This consequence of overturning Roe v. Wade is not getting enough attention.

I’ve participated in several meetings with OB/GYN colleagues since the Supreme Court ruled that the state’s interest in a pregnant person’s health and future is more important that the individual’s right to privacy and autonomy. I’ve heard an array of alarming remarks.

 

Our world practicing obstetric care has become a living hell.

– OB/GYN in Mississippi.

 

Medical students don’t want to rank our OB/GYN residency.

Residency program in the South with an abortion ban.

 

I thought I was going to become an OB/GYN, but now I’m not so sure.

– Medical student in Louisiana.

 

Some people think that abortion restrictions only affect people wanting to terminate their pregnancies. They do not.

These restrictions impact all potential patients seeking gynecologic care and the physicians serving them. Why? Training. And access. OB/GYNs gain certain skills needed to manage pregnancy complications by managing abortion care.

With current and pending abortion restrictions, 45% of OB/GYN programs will no longer offer training in abortion skills which are the same as miscarriage management skillsSince 10% of clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage, these skills save lives.

Many medical students have already said they are now afraid to enter the field of OB/GYN (with potentially criminalized care), and OB/GYN residents have said they don’t want to train or practice in states with anti-abortion laws.

This could result in certain states having increased numbers of pregnancies because of lack of abortion access, fewer OB/GYNs, and less skilled OB/GYNs.

This is not a good combination for anyone who seeks OB/GYN care, whether pregnancy related or not. It’s not good for people who seek care for fibroids or abnormal bleeding, or who need surgery on their ovaries, uterus, cervix, vulva, and vagina. There will be increased waiting times—among other consequences.

 

Will a Post-Roe World Cause an OB/GYN Brain-Drain? Click To Tweet

 

The co-chair of an ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) committee, Dr. Constance Bloom said, “…. We are very concerned that without adequate training and access to care for these patients, the maternal mortality rate will rise.” (OB.GYN. News, June 2022).

The maternal mortality rate in the US is already higher than any other industrialized country, and it’s rising. It is typically higher in states with abortion bans and is significantly higher for women of color.

Forcing women to undergo birth and the increased related risks, instead of safer abortion procedures, is not justified ethically. Being forced to deliver suboptimal care, as a physician, is another source of stress for OB/GYNs.

 

Forcing women to undergo birth and the increased related risks, instead of safer abortion procedures, is not justified ethically. Being forced to deliver suboptimal care, as a physician, is another source of stress for OB/GYNs. Click To Tweet

 

Although I believe the field of OB/GYN will lose people to other specialties, we can ease practice across state lines, which could increase the care for people in states with a paucity of providers.

One solution is to create a national medical licensing system. Such a system doesn’t exist now. Physicians need to get a separate license to practice in each state – an onerous, expensive, and time-consuming process.

 

One solution is to create a national medical licensing system. Such a system doesn’t exist now. Physicians need to get a separate license to practice in each state - an onerous, expensive, and time-consuming process. Click To Tweet

 

This requirement was amended to ease travel during COVID-19, and there is no convincing reason to maintain separate state licensing. A national licensing system would also centralize the reporting of complaints.

If patients are now required to cross state lines for basic reproductive healthcare, physicians should be able to travel to care for them. We must think creatively about how to compensate for the assault on reproductive healthcare, the practice of OB/GYN, and the repercussions affecting half of our population.

Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on SoMeDocs? Find out what we’re looking for here and submit your writing, or send us a pitch.

Share

Mimi Zieman M.D.

Mimi Zieman M.D.

We all have inner voices that need to be listened to, and stories to tell. Voices speaking up for women and justice are needed now more than ever.

Read more »

Earn CME

This learning experience is powered by CMEfy - a platform that brings relevant CMEs to busy clinicians, at the right place and right time. Using short learning nudges, clinicians can reflect and unlock AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Mimi Zieman M.D.

Mimi Zieman M.D.

We all have inner voices that need to be listened to, and stories to tell. Voices speaking up for women and justice are needed now more than ever.

AD

Earn CME

This learning experience is powered by CMEfy - a platform that brings relevant CMEs to busy clinicians, at the right place and right time. Using short learning nudges, clinicians can reflect and unlock AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.

Tweet Me

More from SoMeDocs

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

Cooking Tips and Tricks with Dr. Danielle

Blueberry Power Bowl [VIDEO]

Dr. Danielle shows us how to make a dish full of good-for-you protein, fiber, probiotics, and antioxidants , in this episode of “Cooking Tips & Tricks with Dr. Danielle”

Retreat for Personal Growth

Retreat for Personal Growth

Dawn L Baker MD, MS writes that sometimes, the answers are right in front of you, but a retreat is what you need to realize them.

David Norris, MD, MBA

Negotiate as a Physician and Win

Catch this 8-part series, hosted by physician & business consultant David Norris, MD, MBA & produced by Dana Corriel, MD. Learn to be a stronger negotiator with these important tactics.

My “Go To” Spices for Indian Food: Beginner’s Guide

The Doctor’s Food

In honor of our upcoming virtual Lifestyle Medicine conference, we thought it would be fun to share some of what doctors eat (and prepare!), released regularly. Bottoms’ up!

Cheng Ruan, MD

Cheng Ruan, MD

Burnout is the delta between our expectations and perceived reality.

Want More?

Be a part of the healthcare revolution.
Don't miss a thing SoMeDocs publishes!

Disclaimer: SoMeDocs assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, claims, or content of the individual experts' profiles, contributions and courses. Details within posts cannot be verified. This site does not represent medical advice and you should always consult with your private physician before taking on anything you read online. See SoMeDocs' Terms of Use for more information.

follow us

© 2023 SoMeDocs. All Rights Reserved.

Support A Platform that Celebrates Real Doctors

For just $10 a month, you can help keep this openly accessible site available to all & help us sponsor in more doctors.

Interested in the must-read, unique content from our magazine?

Lifestyle Medicine conference

A Virtual Event, June 9-11, 2023

15 speakers, 3 days,
loads of valuable content.

I acknowledge that this site is not to be used for medical advice.

Play Video
Our Founder Answers Your BURNING Question

SoMeDocs

“Why should I become a member of SoMeDocs if I already have my own space online?”

What We Bring to the Practice of Medicine

We feature books!

And they’re written by experts!

Site SoMeDocs Logo, square

WANT TO STAY IN THE LOOP?

DON'T MISS A SINGLE CONTENT PIECE.