Iowa is facing a maternal health care crisis that can no longer be ignored. As an OB/GYN physician, I see firsthand the toll it takes on patients, families, and physicians across our state.
Iowa ranks last in the nation for the number of OB/GYNs per capita. Our state is becoming one of the hardest places to practice obstetrics and gynecology due to long hours, high liability costs, provider shortages, and growing restrictions on reproductive care. Our specialty is reaching a breaking point.
Right now, there are at least 57 general OB/GYN job openings in Iowa. Openings exist in communities of all sizes, from rural towns to larger cities. To put that into perspective, in 2024 only 12 new general OB/GYN medical licenses were issued statewide. Even if every one of those physicians stayed, it would still be impossible to fill the current need. The challenge is compounded by upcoming retirements and by doctors leaving the specialty due to the growing strain of our profession…