Statement Regarding ABOG Headquarters and Texas SB4 and SB8

In light of Texas SB4 and SB8 abortion legislation that became effective September 2021, the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) has received requests to move its headquarters out of Texas.  

While ABOG understands the reasons behind these requests, after careful consideration and discussion, we have determined that ABOG headquarters will remain in Texas for several reasons, including: 

• ABOG is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that develops certification standards and offers initial and continuing certification to OB GYN physicians who choose to pursue it. The 501(c)(6) designation includes restrictions on ABOG involvement in political activity, lobbying, and legislative advocacy.
• The economic impact of moving to another state will not solve the current national issues regarding reproductive health. Similar legislation restricting access to care and scope of practice may be passed in other states.  At any given time, any location may be affected by proposed restrictive reproductive health state laws.   
• If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, legislation will once again impact the patient/physician relationship throughout the country. The geographic location of ABOG’s headquarters will not matter.
• Moving out of states with restrictions to reproductive health could represent abandonment to those OB GYNs who choose to remain in such states to advocate for their patients. ABOG will continue to support all board-certified OB GYNs across the country in all manner possible within our role as a certifying organization. 

As stated in our September 3rd statement, we support the critical role that all OB GYNs play in the comprehensive care of their patients, including access to safe and legal abortion.  ABOG’s mission to define the standards, certify OB GYNs, and facilitate continuous learning to advance knowledge, practice, and professionalism in women’s health remains the same regardless of the location of our headquarters.