In the News: Jacques discusses impacts of Dobbs decision on medical education

Since the United States Supreme Court decision in June 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade, medical schools and ob-gyn residencies have struggled with the question of how abortion restrictions will affect training programs. Laura Jacques, MD, assistant professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn and UW SMPH ob-gyn clerkship director, discussed challenges to training opportunities with National Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Radio, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and more:

Changes to abortion laws mean OB-GYNs have less opportunities to learn procedure – National Public Radio

Medical residents are required to get abortion training, but some Wisconsin programs are having trouble providing it post Roe – Wisconsin Public Radio

Wisconsin's OBGYN shortage may worsen with abortion law – WUWM

“Jacques mentors all students in her department that are looking to match into obstetrics and gynecology. She has found that her students are already measuring their programs based on if they can provide abortion training.

“There's no question that this is on the minds of students. And that's because they recognize the importance of the training in their future ability to help their patients, even if they don't plan to provide elective abortion care induced abortion care,” says Jacques.”

Wisconsin OB-GYN programs must send residents across state lines for training because of abortion ban – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (paywall)