OHSU Welcomes First Out-of-State OB/GYN Resident to Receive Training in Abortion Care

Oregon Health & Science University’s Center for Women’s Health this fall welcomed its first visiting medical resident from out of state to receive specialized training in abortion care. OHSU’s reproductive health curriculum includes abortion care, and because of abortion bans in certain states, OB/GYN residents aren’t able to train in this basic piece of their education in their home states. The physician-in-training, who remains anonymous for safety reasons, was not able to receive the training within her own obstetrics and gynecology residency program, due to a statewide abortion ban — which puts her and her institution at risk of being charged with a felony.

The Impact of Reproductive Health Restrictions on Education

As many states crack down on reproductive health care with restrictive laws, medical residents across the country who are pursuing careers in obstetrics and gynecology are no longer able to complete the necessary education and training in their own states. This dangerous new reality led OHSU to spearhead a unique program, supported by the ACT Fund, that allows out-of-state residents to receive education and training for abortion care in Oregon from OHSU’s family planning team. Her training at OHSU was sponsored by the Abortion Care and Training Fund, or ACT Fund, which helps ensure the next generation of clinicians knows how to perform essential reproductive health services.

During their time at OHSU, visiting residents gain hands-on experience with various procedures and surgeries, and learn how to effectively counsel various patient populations so they’re able to make educated, informed decisions about their patients’ sexual and reproductive health. “If medical students and residents aren’t able to learn these skills — which should be considered very basic, standard practices — they won’t be able to properly care for patients,” said Alyssa Colwill, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the OHSU School of Medicine. “This goes far beyond just the states with abortion bans; it is truly a threat to women’s health care everywhere.”

Key Program Highlights and Challenges

• Program Support: Training is sponsored by the Abortion Care and Training Fund (ACT Fund).
• Skills Developed: Hands-on experience with procedures, surgeries, and patient counseling.
• Resident Safety: Visiting residents may remain anonymous due to safety reasons and legal risks in their home states.
• Legal Pressures: Potential felony charges for residents training in states with active abortion bans.

Professional and Legal Challenges in Wisconsin

In addition to educational barriers, the head of an anti-abortion group in Wisconsin has filed medical license complaints against doctors who support abortion care in the state, including one physician who is no longer practicing medicine in Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel first reported Wednesday that Pro-Life Wisconsin’s state director Dan Miller had filed the complaints with the state Department of Safety and Professional Services. Miller said he believes Planned Parenthood is violating state law and expressed frustration by the lack of response from local law enforcement.

Michelle Velasquez, chief strategy officer for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, said it’s not surprising to see these types of complaints filed, calling them an attempt by anti-abortion groups to “harass and try to intimidate physicians.” She noted that since talk about calling on district attorneys to charge physicians hasn’t been successful, the next tactic that is being utilized is the professional licensing agency. Despite these tactics, OHSU is committed to providing the full continuum of sexual and reproductive health care — including abortion — to all who seek it, as Colwill emphasizes how essential it is to educate the next generation of clinicians.