Texas Abortion Laws Strain OB/GYN Workforce, Prompting Departure Considerations
A new survey reveals that stringent abortion bans are causing significant stress and potential shortages in Texas's OB/GYN workforce.
- Over 70% of Texas OB/GYNs report that abortion laws hinder their ability to provide high-quality, evidence-based care.
- One in five OB/GYNs is considering leaving Texas, and 13% are planning early retirement due to legal and professional pressures.
- Confusion about the legal parameters of abortion care is widespread, with nearly 30% of doctors unclear about when interventions are permitted.
- The state faces a projected 15% shortage of OB/GYNs by 2030, exacerbating existing maternity care deserts in nearly half of Texas counties.
- Residency applications in Texas have decreased, with over half of OB/GYN residents contemplating leaving the state post-training.