Abortion Restrictions Force Medical Professionals to Reconsider Practice Locations
It has been over a year since Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that overturned the constitutional right to abortion nationwide. Since then, states have passed laws to limit or ban access to the procedure, leading to significant disruptions in the lives of medical professionals. CNN spoke with doctors and medical professionals who shared their stories of how abortion restrictions have affected their careers.
One of the medical professionals interviewed was Katie A., an obstetrician/gynecologist specializing in rural patient care. Katie, an Idaho native, had plans to return to her home state to practice medicine. However, after Roe v. Wade was reversed and Idaho passed a near-total abortion ban, she is now unsure of where she will go after completing her residency in Michigan. Idaho’s abortion ban, which makes exceptions only for cases where the mother’s life is in danger or in cases of rape or incest with a filed police report, has led many doctors to leave the state.
Katie expressed her disappointment, stating, “For my safety and for my ability to really treat my patients, I knew as soon as Idaho started passing laws… it would not be a hospitable place for me to practice medicine.” She hopes that in four years, when she completes her residency, the situation will have improved, allowing her to make a more informed decision about where to practice.
The impact of abortion restrictions on medical professionals is not limited to Idaho. Dr. Robert Andrews, a doctor specializing in interventional radiology in Washington state, has turned down job offers in states with abortion bans and restrictions. Despite a nationwide shortage of doctors in his specialty, Andrews refuses to practice in states with abortion limitations. He stated, “Just look at the map, figure out whether the state has restrictions against abortion, and if so, don’t contact me because I wouldn’t consider it.”
Dr. Pratima Gupta, an ob/gyn who provides abortions in San Diego, California, highlighted the confusion and challenges faced by patients who now have to travel for abortion care. The reversal of Roe v. Wade has made it difficult for patients to access the care they need, forcing them to navigate confusing legal landscapes and travel long distances to find providers.
These stories reflect a broader trend in the medical field. Data from the Association of American Medical Colleges shows that the number of medical school seniors applying to residency programs in states with abortion bans dropped by 3% last year. Interest in the ob/gyn specialty also declined, with applications dropping by 5% nationwide and even more in states where abortion is banned.
The impact of abortion restrictions on medical professionals and patients is undeniable. As the 2024 campaign continues, the issue of abortion is expected to be a key topic for candidates. The experiences shared by doctors and medical professionals shed light on the challenges they face and the importance of protecting access to reproductive healthcare across the country.
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-07-23 10:03:00
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