Obstetricians and gynecologists are facing increasing threats simply for doing their jobs—providing essential health care to patients. Recent incidents have highlighted the dangers these medical professionals face, from violent attacks to online harassment.
In Minnesota, ob-gyns were recently warned of potential ideologically motivated violence. Just a month earlier, a bomb exploded at a fertility clinic during the Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting, an event meant to support family-building care. Tragically, lives have also been lost over advocacy for reproductive rights, including access to abortion.
Threats against health care workers come in many forms. Beyond physical violence, doctors endure online hate speech, confront protesters outside clinics, and hear politicians distort their work. Too often, these verbal attacks escalate into real-world harm. Laws like the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which protects providers and patients from obstruction and violence, are critical for safety.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) condemns these attacks. Their members continue providing care despite the risks, advocating for patients and communities. “No one should fear for their life just for doing their job,” the organization stated.
ACOG is calling on politicians to denounce violence against clinicians and uphold access to reproductive health care. The message is clear: Targeting doctors for providing medical care is unacceptable.
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