How the End of ‘Roe’ Is Reshaping the Medical Workforce
It’s been two years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion, triggering a parade of restrictions and bans in conservative-led states. But the impact of those restrictions has bled into the world of medical education, forcing some new doctors to factor state abortion laws into their decisions about where to begin their careers.
Medical Residents Are Increasingly Avoiding States With Abortion Restrictions
A new analysis shows that students graduating from U.S. medical schools were less likely to apply this year for residency positions in states with abortion bans and other significant abortion restrictions. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, for the second year in a row, students graduating from U.S. medical schools were less likely to apply for residency positions this year in states with abortion bans and other significant abortion restrictions.
The Changing Medical Labor Force Post-Roe
KFF Health News’ chief Washington correspondent, Julie Rovner, reports on how the medical labor force is changing post-Roe v. Wade and why graduating medical students, from OB-GYNs to pediatricians, are avoiding training in states with abortion bans.
Key Observations in Medical Education:
- Residency Trends: Students graduating from U.S. medical schools are less likely to apply for positions in states with abortion bans.
- Duration of Trend: This shift has been observed for the second year in a row.
- Affected Specialists: The avoidance of these states is noted among graduating medical students, ranging from OB-GYNs to pediatricians.