Bearing Witness: Reflections on Care and Advocacy One Year after Dobbs
ACOG members who work on the front lines of abortion care reflected on how the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision has affected them; their patients, colleagues, and families; and the practice of obstetrics and gynecology.
Abortion is essential health care. The U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision on June 24, 2022, revoked the right to that essential health care from patients across the country. These member reflections one year later provide just a small window into the unimaginable trauma, grief, chaos, confusion, and heartbreak resulting from interference in the clinician–patient relationship.
Bearing Witness to a Moment in History
Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD, FACOG, observes how Dobbs v. Jackson has increased obstetrician–gynecologists’ media visibility, limited patients’ access to needed health care, and threatened the sustainability of the physician workforce.
Member Stories
Demoralization after Dobbs, by Clayton A. Alfonso, MD, FACOG
Goodbye, Tennessee, by Leilah Zahedi-Spung, MD, FACOG
Confusion and Obstacles to Patient Care, by Dana Stone, MD, FACOG
My Own Idaho Crisis, by Emily Corrigan, MD, FACOG
The Difficult Decision to Leave, by Kylie Cooper, MD, FACOG
Bearing Witness to a Moment in History, by Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD, FACOG
This Is How It Should Work, Pratima Gupta, MD, MPH, FACOG
Treating Patients amidst Chaos, by Michelle Brown, MD, FACOG
Consequences of a Decision and Decisions for Consequences, by Alireza Shamshirsaz, MD, FACOG
Overturn of Roe Leads to Both Confusion and Misinformation, by Washington C. Hill, MD, FACOG
Still Here but Struggling by Nisha Verma, MD, MPH, FACOG
Disclaimer: Published submissions reflect the experiences of individual ACOG members and may not represent official organizational opinions of ACOG. This information is designed as an educational resource to aid clinicians in providing obstetric and gynecologic care, and use of this information is voluntary. It does not constitute legal advice; clinicians should be familiar with and comply with federal, state, and local restrictions on abortion, including medication abortion, and are encouraged to consult with a lawyer when navigating local abortion laws and regulations. This information should not be considered as inclusive of all proper treatments or methods of care or as a statement of the standard of care. It is not intended to substitute for the independent professional judgment of a treating clinician.
While ACOG makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information, this publication is provided “as is” without any warranty of accuracy, reliability, or otherwise, either express or implied. ACOG does not guarantee, warrant, or endorse the products or services of any firm, organization, or person. Neither ACOG nor its officers, directors, members, employees, or agents will be liable for any loss, damage, or claim with respect to any liabilities, including direct, special, indirect, or consequential damages, incurred in connection with this publication or reliance on the information presented.
Publications of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are protected by copyright, and all rights are reserved. The College’s publications may not be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from the copyright owner.