Idaho Loses Over a Third of Its Obstetricians Following Abortion Restrictions

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022, Idaho’s trigger law banning most abortions went into effect, making it one of the strictest in the country. The legal and social consequences soon made headlines, with the Department of Justice filing a lawsuit alleging that the law violated federal hospital stabilization laws. Within months, a rural Idaho maternity ward closed due to the hostile legal climate.

“When those people leave, that is a huge body of institutional knowledge that [walks] out of that state. It’s a big dang deal.”

Meanwhile, a significant exodus of obstetricians was underway. Doctors specializing in pregnancy care have been leaving Idaho, citing fears of legal repercussions for providing abortions, even in emergencies. Recent research reveals that over 94 OBs—more than a third of the state’s practicing obstetricians—departed between August 2022 and December 2024, either by moving out of state, retiring, or ceasing obstetric practice. Notably, none of the OBs who left moved to states with abortion bans, indicating broader career and safety concerns influenced their decisions.

This wave of departures contributes to the increasing number of maternity care deserts in Idaho—areas lacking adequate childbirth services. Nearly 30% of counties—and about 20% of women—have no nearby hospital for childbirth. The remaining OBs are heavily concentrated in the state’s most populated regions, leaving a fragile system that can’t sustain further loss.

Experts emphasize the urgent need to reform laws to stabilize healthcare. Advocates and medical professionals argue that the decline in OBs diminishes access to essential maternal care, forcing many to travel long distances or go without. Legislative efforts continue to seek changes, including campaigning for future ballot measures to protect reproductive rights.

Researchers plan to continue monitoring OB physician departures and improve data collection to address healthcare gaps. Their goal remains clear: We want this place to be better.