In April 2023, a law banning abortion after six weeks — before many women even know they're pregnant — was signed into law. This ban took effect on May 1, 2024.
The ongoing struggle concerning women’s reproductive health causes persistent anxiety for clinicians treating patients in this field. As obstetricians and gynecologists, our specialty is tied to assisting women throughout their reproductive journey. It's a private journey between you as a clinician and your patient’s family and designated loved ones.
However, the question arises: What do I do as a clinician when I cannot offer my best clinical judgment because the storms of political opinion persist in the examination room? This is a continuous burden on the backs of women’s health physicians. The COVID-19 pandemic, in some ways, provided a temporary shift in focus. But now, we are back under scrutiny, trying to keep up with the latest updates on what we can do or say during one of the most stressful and possibly worst events of a woman’s life. So many questions flood our minds: What can I do for my patient now? What can I even say to them? Who do I call?
To provide our patients with the best-informed decisions, they need clear, evidence-based information, unfettered by personal or external opinions. This is our duty. But the anxiety can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, obstetricians and gynecologists are being forced to think more about their survival than the well-being of their patients. Will we lose our licenses? Will we get arrested? Will someone threaten us with bodily harm? How much legal protection do we actually have in this ever-changing environment of science versus ideology?
Recently, I found myself in a highly anxiety-inducing situation. I needed to navigate several administrative hurdles — emails and phone calls — to even initiate life-saving surgery on my patient. This took time away from patient management and surveillance. I couldn’t focus solely on my patient because I had to consider numerous external factors affecting her care that had nothing to do with saving the patient but more to do with defusing potential administrative landmines. It was a challenge to keep singularly focused on my goal of taking care of my patient to the best of my ability. It was my colleague who provided support, helping me navigate the administrative maze, allowing me to concentrate on my patient’s needs.
When conflicts arise between a physician’s duty to their patient and the prevailing political climate, medical ethics and professional guidelines must shield health care professionals. Maintaining good communication with patients and thoroughly documenting all decisions and actions can protect physicians from potential issues. Being aware of and adhering to local laws and regulations related to health care provision is crucial. Maintaining strong relationships with colleagues is equally important, as we are our best resources for support and skills.
Knowledge is power. Stay updated on health care laws, regulations, and policies, especially those related to your specialty. This preparation helps in understanding how changes may affect your practice. Connecting with colleagues who experience similar anxieties can be beneficial. We cannot ignore the prevailing climate, hoping to get through it unscathed. Doing so would be a disservice to ourselves and our patients. We are their last line of defense in health care. Remember, you are not alone. It’s okay to seek help and take time for yourself. Your well-being is crucial, not just for you, but also for the quality of care you provide to your patients.
What challenges have you faced with providing patient care? Share in the comments.
Dr. Rohana Motley White is an obstetrician/gynecologist in Orlando. She enjoys traveling, reading, and hanging out with her daughter. Dr. Motley White is a 2023–2024 Doximity Op-Med Fellow.
Illustration by Jennifer Bogartz
