To the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology: 

The recent Supreme Court decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health impacts the lives of our patients and our ability to deliver evidence-based care. We are grappling with the gravity of this landmark decision, and the blatant disregard for women’s rights, bodily autonomy, and access to comprehensive health care. These are core tenets of our professional, ethical and moral duties as obstetricians and gynecologists. Within this context, we write to you today as colleagues, many of whom intend to sit for the oral board exam this fall.  Although recently ABOG allowed for the general speciality certifying examination to be converted to a virtual format this fall, we implore the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology to permanently convert all oral examinations of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including their respective subspecialties, to a virtual format. 

The state of Texas has severely restricted access to abortion and has allowed private citizens to take legal action against anyone suspected of assisting or performing terminations. Mandating travel to the state poses an unacceptable risk to our personal safety. The ACGME requires Ob/Gyn trainees to have experience with abortion and its complications. As such, many board-eligible Ob/Gyns have abortions on our case lists, particularly those that center family planning in their practice. Due to the “aid and abet'' clause included in SB8, we may be targeted for legal or political retribution. Second, travel to Texas directly jeopardizes the health and well-being of our pregnant colleagues. Should any pregnancy-related complications occur while in Texas, the full range of evidence-based management options are prohibited by law. This is an unconscionable risk. The proposal of a nationwide abortion ban after 15 weeks by Lindsey Graham lends unfortunate support that the climate of this tenuous situation is worsening without regard to maternal health. Moreover, complacency on this matter is incongruent with the tenets of our field, and directly conflicts with the stance of our societies including ACOG, SMFM, SFP, ASRM, and AUGS. In light of our current events, continuing to have in-person examinations in Texas risks egregious and irreparable harm for both examinees and potentially board examiners.  

Furthermore, since the COVID pandemic, ABOG has successfully certified candidates over the past two years without in-person examinations. We see no justifiable reason to mandate in-person oral board exams in a state that restricts basic health care of pregnant people and whose laws encourage vigilante targeting of physicians who perform abortions. Additionally, the risks of travel and congregating in large settings during the ongoing COVID pandemic are not justified when a virtual alternative is sufficient. We look to you, as leaders in our field, to recognize the gravity of the Supreme Court decision as it relates to certification requirements in our field. Abortion is essential healthcare, and a central aspect of the health and safety of our patients and examinees. We urge you to heed the call to convert to a virtual oral examination, and we thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Respectfully,