Idaho lost 35% of its OB-GYNs in 28 months after its abortion ban. Texas maternal mortality rose 56%. 116 rural hospitals have closed labor and delivery since 2020.
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Call Your Representative
U.S. Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121
Here's what to say:
- I'm calling about the OB-GYN shortage caused by abortion bans in our state.
- Idaho lost 94 of its 268 OB-GYNs — 35% — in 28 months after its ban took effect. Three hospitals closed labor and delivery.
- Texas maternal mortality rose 56% in the first year of its ban. The national increase was 11%. This is a documented medical crisis.
- I need my legislator to treat this as the emergency it is. Pregnant people in rural counties cannot find doctors to deliver their babies.
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Write Your Own Letter
Prefer to write in your own words? Use this as a starting point.
Dear [Senator/Representative name],
I am writing as a constituent from [city, state] about stop the ob-gyn exodus in abortion ban states.
Idaho lost 94 of its 268 OB-GYNs — 35% — in 28 months after its ban took effect. Three hospitals closed labor and delivery.
Texas maternal mortality rose 56% in the first year of its ban. The national increase was 11%. This is a documented medical crisis.
The facts support this: 35% OB-GYNs lost in Idaho in 28 months after the abortion ban. 56% Increase in Texas maternal mortality in the first year of its ban. 116 Rural hospitals that closed labor and delivery units since 2020. 100,000+ Signatures submitted for Idaho ballot initiative to end the ban.
I am asking you to take a public position on this issue and act accordingly. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
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Key Facts to Mention
Use these in your letter, call, email, or social post.
- 35% OB-GYNs lost in Idaho in 28 months after the abortion ban
- 56% Increase in Texas maternal mortality in the first year of its ban
- 116 Rural hospitals that closed labor and delivery units since 2020
- 100,000+ Signatures submitted for Idaho ballot initiative to end the ban
Preview the full letter
Idaho had 268 OB-GYNs when its near-total abortion ban took effect in August 2022. By December 2024, 94 of them were gone — a 35% loss in 28 months. Six of nine maternal-fetal medicine specialists left. Three hospitals shut down their labor and delivery units. Just 23 OB-GYNs serve 37 rural counties where nearly a quarter of the state's population lives.
This is not just Idaho. Texas saw maternal mortality rise 56% in the first full year of its abortion ban. The national increase was 11%. Nationwide, 116 rural hospitals have closed labor and delivery units since 2020. When you combine collapsing rural maternity care with an OB-GYN workforce fleeing ban states, the result is simple: pregnant people in rural ban states may not have a doctor available to deliver their baby.
Tell your state legislators that the OB-GYN shortage is a medical emergency. If you are in a ban state, tell them the ban is driving doctors out. If you are in Idaho, support the ballot initiative that would end the near-total ban in November 2026.
This action is part of our Reproductive Rights coverage.