Match day for medical students is already an anxious and anticipated time where students find out which residency program and which state they will start a new life. A computerized algorithm places them in a location and university, with little to no chance to negotiate or change their place of employment. With Roe v Wade being overturned, a lack of federal directive/legislation enshrining any reproductive rights, and a new administration poised to halt any gains previously made.  Students have even more fears that they will match in a state that might not provide them reproductive rights. Residents, already practicing in states with restrictions, are worried about further issues related to reproductive care, both practicing and receiving care. Now, we face a question. Do we sacrifice our careers or do we sacrifice our human rights by moving?

I am urging the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to not force us to make that decision by providing reproductive health care resources to all of their medical trainees in residency. ACGME is the body that passes accreditation to residency programs throughout the United States and gives requirements for residencies in order to hold on to their accreditation and host residents.

After the reversal of Roe v. Wade on June 24th, reproductive rights are overall at risk.

• 12 states have banned all access to abortion (these include states in which ballot measures have passed to protect abortion).
• 12 states and 1 territory  have significant restrictions/challenges on when a termination can proceed.
• 3 states and 1 territory have access to abortion, but no legal protections.
• Only 23 out of 50 states currently protect or have expanded access to abortion.
• Source: Center For Reproductive Rights

There are thousands of trainees in a variety of specialties in states that have restricted abortion or banned abortion all together. Equal or greater numbers are in states considering significant restrictions. Individuals may have to drive thousands of miles to receive abortion care.

ACGME should institute guidance for institutions with training programs, regardless of speciality and location, that encompass:

• Residencies and fellowships should include healthcare that covers reproductive care for trainees and partners, including but not limited to: abortion, contraception, and IVF.
• If in a state that bans or severely restricts abortion, residencies and fellowships should provide travel allowance and paid time off for trainees and partners to pursue medical care related to reproductive choice.
• If in a state that bans or severely restricts abortion, residencies and fellowships should lobby state and/or city governments to reduce enforcement of abortion legislation, aka "decriminalization."

Personally, though it hurt me greatly, I did not apply to residencies that had significant restrictions on reproductive access, as this would affect people I love. Some of my classmates did not have this option, as they applied to residencies that have limited positions, which required them to toss a wider net to various states in order to increase the chances of matching. Overall, there has been a significant lack of individuals applying to areas/states with significant abortion restrictions or abortion bans, worsening health disparities.

Once 1000 individuals sign on to this petition, this petition will be sent to ACGME and AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) to elicit a response and guidance. Please sign and share with individuals from all backgrounds. All individuals deserve a choice, regardless of where they live.