A growing national shortage of OB/GYNs means that women, especially those with complex health needs or living outside big cities, may find it difficult to access timely and comprehensive care.
- OB/GYN availability meets just 93% of current demand nationally.
- Nearly half of U.S. counties lack any OB/GYN, disproportionately impacting women of color.
- Financial incentives favor prenatal care over routine women's health visits.
What happened
The country is experiencing a widening gap between the number of practicing OB/GYNs and patient demand. In 2025, the OB/GYN workforce met only about 93% of the need, with shortages especially acute in rural and underserved areas. Nearly half of U.S. counties currently have no OB/GYN available, forcing many women to travel great distances or settle for less specialized care.
This shortage is worsened by doctors retiring faster than replacements can be trained and by the high malpractice risks OB/GYNs face, which discourage new entrants. In addition, insurance reimbursement models often prioritize bundled prenatal and delivery care, providing less financial support for other important women's health services like preventive exams and contraception counseling.
Why it feels good
Despite these challenges, awareness of the OB/GYN shortage is growing, sparking conversations about restructuring healthcare to better support women's complex and evolving health needs. Medical professionals emphasize that women's health today encompasses a wide range of issues — from fertility and hormonal disorders to cancer prevention and mental health — deserving more time and resources.
Patients and advocates are encouraging shifts away from volume-driven care toward models that allow for longer, personalized visits. This focus aims to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction, fostering a healthcare environment more attuned to women's unique experiences across all life stages.
What to enjoy or watch next
Women navigating this shifting landscape can explore alternatives such as seeking care from nurse midwives, family practitioners trained in women's health, or telehealth options that offer greater access, especially in underserved regions. Keeping open communication with healthcare providers about symptoms and concerns remains key.
For those interested in the future of women's healthcare, following advocacy groups and expert podcasts like SHE MD provides up-to-date insights on innovations and policy changes aimed at closing the OB/GYN gap. Staying informed helps ensure women can access the care they deserve even amid ongoing systemic challenges.