Texas Abortion Ban Drives Medical Exodus, Jeopardizes Pregnant Women’s Care

Since Texas severely restricted abortion access in 2021, the state's near-total abortion ban has created a 'standard of fear' among pregnant patients and medical professionals, fundamentally altering the practice of obstetric care. Doctors and trainees report emotional tolls and drastic career changes, including leaving the state or changing specialties, due to legal uncertainties and the impact on patient care. Women in Texas have faced significant barriers to obtaining necessary abortion or miscarriage care, resulting in forced continuation of complicated pregnancies, traumatic stillbirths, and even deaths. Investigations reveal that these restrictions have derailed medical care for women with life-threatening pregnancy complications, including delays or denials of treatment for conditions such as ectopic pregnancies and preexisting health risks. The law’s sweeping consequences extend beyond abortion access, affecting all aspects of pregnancy care and leaving patients, families, and providers caught in the middle. These findings highlight the profound and widespread collateral damage caused by the abortion ban on women's health and medical practice in Texas.