Why OBs Are Rethinking Where to Practice

Abortion bans and burnout are driving upheaval in Iowa’s OB-GYN workforce.

By
Natalie Krebs
January 5, 2026
6 min

Kff Health News

Objective:

To explore the impact of abortion laws and staffing shortages on OB-GYNs' decisions to practice in certain states, with a focus on Iowa and broader trends.

Approach:

Key Findings:

Iowa has the lowest number of OB-GYNs per capita, exacerbated by restrictive abortion laws, which may impact maternal care quality.
Short-staffing and increased patient loads are leading to burnout among remaining OB-GYNs.
Abortion bans may deter medical students from applying to OB-GYN residency programs in affected states.

Interpretation:

The combination of restrictive abortion laws and staffing shortages is creating a challenging environment for OB-GYNs, potentially leading to a decline in maternal care quality and availability, which is critical for public health.

Limitations:

Current studies show mixed results on whether abortion bans are driving OB-GYNs out of states.
Data does not capture the quality of care or job satisfaction among OB-GYNs in states with abortion restrictions, highlighting the need for qualitative insights.

Conclusion:

The future of OB-GYN practice in states with restrictive abortion laws remains uncertain, with urgent implications for maternal and infant health that require immediate attention.