I’d Love to Stay in Texas, BUT: New Study Shows Abortion Ban Impact on OB/GYN Workforce
Just two years after the Dobbs decision set in motion Texas’ near-complete abortion ban, a new report regarding the women’s health crisis in the state of Texas examines how Texas abortion laws are impacting the state’s OB/GYN workforce. The study highlights significant stress the abortion laws are subjecting Texas OB/GYNs to, in a state already facing a women’s health crisis. Texas abortion laws are pushing OB/GYNs out of the state, leaving fewer doctors to provide essential reproductive care.
Impact on Healthcare Access
A growing shortage could impact the entire healthcare system, making it harder for Texans to get timely, critical care. This means longer waits and less access to quality healthcare for everyone, not just pregnant patients. The shortage of OB/GYNs in Texas, worsened by our restrictive abortion laws, is affecting access to essential healthcare for women, which directly impacts overall workforce health and productivity.
Economic and Business Implications
The healthcare shortages shown and predicted in the report don’t just affect women or individuals—they have a broader economic impact. Businesses rely on a healthy workforce, and the growing healthcare crisis in Texas could strain local economies, affect insurance costs, and hurt overall business sustainability. Furthermore, companies looking to attract top talent—especially women and families—may find it more difficult in a state like Texas with its limited healthcare options. When employees cannot access timely reproductive care, it leads to higher absenteeism, healthcare costs, and reduced workplace efficiency.
Major Findings of the Manatt Health Report
The report, by Manatt Health, draws from statewide surveys and interviews with practicing OB/GYNs, resident physicians, educators, and program directors in Texas. Detailed results indicate the following:
- A significant majority of practicing Texas OB/GYN physicians surveyed believe that the Texas abortion laws have inhibited their ability to provide highest-quality and medically necessary care to their patients.
- As a result of Texas abortion laws, many Texas OB/GYN physicians and resident physicians are considering or have already made changes to their practices that reduce the availability of OB/GYN care in the state.
- In order to meet well-established national training requirements, as set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), Texas residency programs are developing and underwriting the cost of complicated arrangements that send residents to other states for complex family planning rotations.
Summary of Workforce Impacts
| Impact Area | Consequences identified in the study |
|---|---|
| Physician Retention | Laws are pushing OB/GYNs out of the state; many are considering practice changes. |
| Patient Access | Longer waits and less access to quality healthcare for everyone. |
| Workforce Education | Programs must send residents out of state for complex family planning rotations. |
| Economic Health | Strain on local economies, higher insurance costs, and reduced business sustainability. |
| Corporate Talent | Difficulty attracting top talent and families due to limited healthcare options. |