For two years in a row, medical school graduates have avoided applying for residencies in states with near-total abortion bans. Medical facilities in states with abortion bans experienced 4.2% fewer residency applications than in previous years. And OB/GYN applications are down by 6.7%. This trend indicates a severe issue in healthcare accessibility, not just for pregnant people but everyone.
Caring for patients is challenging enough without the added pressure of possible criminal prosecution. Many new doctors opt instead to specialize in other areas and/or work in states where they do not have to worry about whether or not they can work to their full capacity. The near-total abortion bans in 14 states make it challenging to even perform lifesaving abortions for patients who face death. Furthermore, many young doctors are considering their own family planning as they set down roots and would prefer to live in a state where they have the freedom to choose.
This downward trend in new doctors choosing to work in abortion-ban states exacerbates a healthcare system that is already stretched thin. With fewer and fewer doctors willing to work in these areas, everyone in need of care will be forced to wait for appointments or drive hours to be seen, as well as many other obstacles that come with a shortage of doctors. This is especially true for rural areas, which are already brutally underserved.
SOURCES