Health Care at Risk: Texas Abortion Laws and OB-GYN Access

After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the question of abortion access was returned to the states. In Texas, abortion care is not permitted, except in cases where the life of the pregnant person is determined to be at risk. There have been numerous media reports on the impact these laws are having on Texas patients including those with life-threatening conditions and non viable pregnancies.

A new report by Manatt Health, published on Oct. 8, turns the focus to the OB-GYN physician workforce, examining the impact of these laws on physicians’ ability to provide evidence-based reproductive health care. The current OB-GYN physician workforce in Texas already fails to meet the existing demand for reproductive health services, and with some of the poorest women's health outcomes in the nation, additional strain may further hinder the state's ability to provide comprehensive reproductive care. Manatt gathered data from practicing OB-GYN physicians, residents, and residency programs across the state, revealing a workforce under substantial strain.

This event informed attendees of the negative impact that current Texas law is having on the OB-GYN physician workforce, and potential future trends. With a focus on the repercussions for all Texans who need reproductive health care, the event featured a moderated panel with the lead author from the Manatt Health study, a practicing OB-GYN physician, and an OB-GYN residency program director.

This event was co-sponsored by the Baker Institute Center for Health and Biosciences, Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation, and The Cullen Trust for Health Care. It was free and open to the public.

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Agenda

7:30 am CDT — Breakfast
8:00 am CDT — Welcome Remarks
8:03 am CDT — Panel Conversation
8:45 am CDT — Q&A Session
9:00 am CDT — Adjourn

Participants

Featured Speakers

Alex Morin
Managing Director, Manatt Health

Damla Karsan, MD, FACOG
Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Comprehensive Women’s Healthcare, UWH of Texas

Todd Ivey, MD, FACOG
Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Associate Professor, Government Affairs Committee, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists