The head of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has called for abortion to be available “without restrictions,” going beyond the group’s opposition to “burdensome” regulations. This move is seen by critics as an endorsement of unrestricted abortion until birth.
Dr. Christopher M. Zahn, interim CEO of ACOG, and Dr. Jenni Villavicencio, interim director of advocacy and public affairs for the Society for Family Planning, stated that they are “medical experts, physicians, scientists and advocates for unrestricted access to abortion care.” They submitted a letter to The Washington Post asserting that “abortion is safe” and that it should be available without limitations or barriers, similar to any other crucial healthcare service.
This statement was made in response to an op-ed published by GOP strategist Kellyanne Conway and pro-life advocate Marjorie Dannenfelser. The op-ed called on Republicans to “go on offense on abortion” and question Democrats about their support for any restrictions on elective pregnancy termination.
In response, Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, stated that she is glad “we finally hear the truth from the abortion lobby.” She believes that Americans are compassionate and overwhelmingly reject all-trimester abortions on demand, and as they become more aware of the extremist positions of powerful organizations, they reject them even more.
ACOG, the largest professional membership association for OBGYNs in the country, has over 60,000 members. Dr. Zahn assumed the role of interim CEO in May.
ACOG’s website states that the organization opposes legislation that overly regulates or criminalizes abortion care providers, as well as government regulations that make it difficult for women to access evidence-based care.
Dr. Ingrid Skop, a pro-life obstetrician from Texas, criticized ACOG’s proclamation in The Washington Post letter, stating that there is no room for dissent among ACOG’s leadership and the broader medical community when it comes to unlimited abortion for any reason at any stage of pregnancy. Dr. Skop, who is the director of medical affairs for the pro-life Charlotte Lozier Institute, believes that ACOG’s promotion of elective abortion without limits does not reflect the views of its own members, as a significant majority of practicing obstetricians do not perform elective abortions.
The recent Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade has posed challenges for both political parties. Democrats have called for a federal law guaranteeing “reproductive freedom” but have not been clear about their stance on abortion limits.
