Understanding ACOG's Policy on Abortion

Explore frequently asked questions about ACOG's updated Policy on Abortion.

Why is ACOG’s goal to have a strong voice about abortion?

It is essential that ACOG provide a clear statement: Abortion is an essential component of comprehensive medical care, and people need unimpeded access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care options.

• ACOG recognizes that it is our responsibility, as the experts on reproductive health care and leaders in advocacy on behalf of our members and the patients they serve, to have a clear, patient-centered position on abortion that steadfastly opposes legislative interference in the practice of medicine and the criminalization of our members for providing evidence-based care.
• Questions about whether and when patients can access needed medical care should be removed from the political arena and returned to the patient and their trusted health care professional.
• It is unacceptable for doctors and health care professionals to be punished, fined, or sued and face imprisonment for delivering evidence-based care.
• Laws are a blunt instrument that cannot encompass the complexity of medicine or people’s lives. ACOG trusts patients and their families, supported by their clinicians, to make informed, thoughtful decisions about their pregnancies and health care without legislative interference.

What does ACOG mean by “full spectrum of reproductive health care”?

• People should be able to access abortion care where and when they need it, including for such purposes as abortion care, miscarriage management, and perinatal palliative care.
• We understand that some people may have complex feelings about abortion care, but it is critical that people be able to access abortions if it is right for their families, their health, and their lives.
• Abortion care is often misrepresented for political or ideological reasons, especially when it is provided later in pregnancy.
  • For example, “abortion up until birth” or “abortion after birth” are examples of derogatory language used by opponents of abortion access that is not based in facts. Neither is accurate, and neither uses clinically appropriate language.
  • In many cases, when abortion care does occur later in pregnancy, it is because something has gone terribly wrong regarding the patient’s health or the pregnancy. Those patients should be treated with compassion and judgment-free, evidence-based care.
  • ACOG is working to correct these fallacies and has created resources to address mistruths and share accurate information about ACOG’s position and abortion care.
    • Learn more about abortion and perinatal palliative care.
    • Explore ACOG’s Guide to Language and Abortion.
    • Explore Facts Are Important: Identifying and Combating Abortion Myths and Misinformation.

How can I speak effectively and respectfully to people in my community who oppose or are conflicted about abortion?

Studies show that the vast majority of obstetrician–gynecologists, around 95%, would help a patient in need of an abortion in some way, regardless of the obstetrician–gynecologist’s personal feelings.

• We recognize that abortion can be a complicated topic for some. We also recognize that the decision whether to have an abortion may be a complex one. It is for these very reasons that this decision should be left to a patient and their trusted health care professional.
• Doctors and clinicians must be able to provide unbiased, factual information to patients regarding reproductive health care options. And people must be able to use their expertise in their own lives to make decisions for themselves and their families.
• Learn more about how to talk about abortion.