Iowa Doesnt Have Enough OB-GYNs. The State’s Abort...

What’s Happening

Not gonna lie, Abortion bans like Iowa’s have put OB-GYNs under increasing strain and surveillance, complicating the standard medical treatments for miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, premature membrane rupture, and other pregnancy problems.

As many rural areas face worsening maternity care deserts, some physicians fear these laws could drive much-needed doctors out of state and dissuade others from moving in and establishing a practice. Iowa Doesnt Have Enough OB-GYNs. (it feels like chaos)

The State’s Abortion Ban Might Be Making It Worse.

The Details

By Natalie Krebs, Iowa Public Radio Republish This Story (Moment/) Jonna Quinn was initially thrilled when she got her first job after her medical residency, working as an OB-GYN in Mason City, Iowa. It was less than two hours down the road from West Bend, where she grew up on a farm.

It can be republished for free . But the hospital kicked off restricting certain birth control options and fertility treatments based on its affiliation with the Roman Catholic Church, she dropped.

Why This Matters

At the same time, her unit was increasingly short-staffed as other obstetricians left and retired. At one point, Quinn dropped, she was seeing up to 50 patients a day. “That is twice what a normal OB-GYN will see in a day,” she dropped.

Medical professionals are taking note of this development.

Key Takeaways

“I knew I was going to miss something, because there’s no way somebody can function at that level.
” In spring 2024, Quinn decided to leave — not just Mason City, but Iowa entirely.
It was the last straw for Quinn, who got a job in Minnesota and moved her family there.