Supporting Member Involvement in Ob-GynPAC

Advocacy on behalf of obstetric and gynecologic health is central to the mission of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The United States Congress and statehouses are increasingly affecting the practice of medicine, our specialty’s ability to care for our patients, and the future of obstetrics and gynecology. ACOG supports member involvement in legislative and political advocacy to help ensure that lawmakers and government entities make informed decisions on issues related to obstetrics and gynecology and do not engage in legislative interference in the practice of medicine.

A political action committee, or PAC, is an organization that solicits contributions to donate in support of or in opposition to political candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation. PACs are not directed by parties or individuals but rather are run by a governing body. ACOG’s PAC, Ob-GynPAC, is overseen by the  Ob-GynPAC Governing Committee, which is made up of ACOG Fellows that represent the diverse, vibrant ACOG member community. 

Ob-GynPAC is the only federal PAC dedicated exclusively to electing representatives who support the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology. Ob-GynPAC puts critical financial support behind candidates who support and have worked to advance ACOG’s priority issues and can help elect candidates who will push for action at the state and federal levels that advances the interests of our members and all people in need of obstetric and gynecologic care. While ACOG’s advocacy work  encourages already-elected officials to support ACOG’s priority issues, the PAC works to help elect or re-elect officials whose voting history proves that they support key ACOG issues. The Ob-GynPAC is not partisan. Ob-GynPAC donates to candidates by evaluating their voting history on specific ACOG priority issues, not their party. All ACOG Fellows, Life Fellows, Junior Fellows, and staff and their spouses may contribute to Ob‐GynPAC. Contributions must be from personal funds; by law, Ob‐GynPAC cannot accept political contributions from businesses or foreign nationals¹.

We encourage our members to support the Ob-GynPAC, to run for elective office, and to encourage other members to do the same.  ACOG dues do not support the Ob-GynPAC. Rather, direct donations to Ob-GynPAC contribute to a fund that supports candidates who support ACOG’s priority issues. Ob-GynPAC members can fill out federal and state contribution request forms to request that the PAC direct funds toward candidates of their choice¹.

Reference

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Ob-GynPAC. Accessed July 24, 2024. https://www.acog.org/advocacy/ob-gynpac

Approved February 2015
Revised and approved May 2015
Amended and reaffirmed July 2018
Reaffirmed July 2021
Amended and Reaffirmed July 2024