ACOG Strengthens Its Policy Regarding Reproductive Medical Care

Washington, D.C. – The Board of Directors for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has strengthened its commitment to the provision of evidence-based medical care without legislative interference by updating its statement of policy on abortion.

"Abortion is a critical medical intervention that can save and improve the lives of our patients," said Iffath Abbasi Hoskins, MD, FACOG, president of ACOG and chair of the ACOG Board of Directors. "Although ACOG's long-standing abortion policy supported safe, legal, evidence-based abortion care, the current reproductive health crisis calls for revisions which make it unmistakably clear that ACOG trusts doctors and patients—and not lawmakers—to make decisions about what is best for patients' health and well-being."

ACOG's updated abortion policy states: "All people should have access to the full spectrum of comprehensive, evidence-based health care. Abortion is an essential component of comprehensive, evidence-based health care."

"ACOG's unwavering message is that if access to abortion is compromised, people will suffer," Dr. Hoskins explained. "When abortion is legal, it is safe. It is our responsibility, as the nation's largest organization representing physicians who are dedicated to the health of women and patients in need of reproductive medical care, to speak clearly and definitively in support of essential abortion care and those who provide and receive it."

In response to the ongoing crisis regarding access to abortion, ACOG also recently launched its new advocacy, education, clinical practice, and communication resource, Abortion Is Essential Health Care. This newly published site organizes resources designed to empower members and partners to connect, engage, and advocate to ensure access to abortion. It contains talking points and messaging guides to help people have effective conversations with their community members, clinical guidance that is relevant to the provision of abortion care, resources to help health care professionals incorporate abortion care into their practices, advocacy tools, and more.

Read the full statement of policy.

Explore frequently asked questions about ACOG's updated Policy on Abortion.