Texas laws and rules regarding pregnancy-related emergency care have continued to evolve since the initial Dobbs decision. In June 2025, Texas enacted the Life of the Mother Act, which clarifies that physicians in Texas are able to act to address lethal and non-lethal medical risks to pregnant patients.

Key provisions of the Act include:

Reasonable medical judgment: The Act specifies that doctors can use their "reasonable medical judgment" to determine if an abortion is necessary to save a pregnant person's life or major bodily function.
Imminence not required: The Act clarifies that a pregnant person's death or impairment does not have to be "imminent" for the exception to apply.
Physician protections: The Act addresses fear of unwarranted criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits, and disciplinary action by shifting the burden of proof in criminal cases to the state, meaning the state must prove that a doctor was not acting in a medical emergency.
Ectopic and miscarriage care: The Act affirms that treating ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages does not violate Texas abortion laws and expands the definition of ectopic pregnancy to match current medical understanding.

In-Person Certifying Exam FAQs

In-Person Exam Administration

Why is ABOG committed to providing the certifying exam in person in its National Center?

Does Texas law affect the ABOG certifying exam?

Is the certification process confidential?

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Is there a difference between the performance of candidates who provide abortion care and those who do not?

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Why were remote exams allowed during the pandemic?

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Health and Safety

If I am taking ABOG’s certifying exam in Texas while pregnant and need emergency care, including abortion, will I be able to obtain care?

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What if an emergency arises during the exam? Is there treatment available nearby?

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Case List Requirements

I am concerned about the case list requirement and the ability of some candidates, particularly in restrictive states, to meet ABOG’s case list requirements as part of the certification process. Can this requirement be eliminated?

How does ABOG ensure the quality of case lists?

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Location

Why does ABOG remain in Texas despite the restrictive abortion legislation?

How does ABOG respond to the legislation that places statewide restrictions on abortions in Texas?

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Need Assistance?

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Is the certification process confidential?

Is there a difference between the performance of candidates who provide abortion care and those who do not?

Why were remote exams allowed during the pandemic?

If I am taking ABOG’s certifying exam in Texas while pregnant and need emergency care, including abortion, will I be able to obtain care?

What if an emergency arises during the exam? Is there treatment available nearby?

Case List Requirements

I am concerned about the case list requirement and the ability of some candidates, particularly in restrictive states, to meet ABOG’s case list requirements as part of the certification process. Can this requirement be eliminated?

How does ABOG ensure the quality of case lists?

Location

Why does ABOG remain in Texas despite the restrictive abortion legislation?

How does ABOG respond to the legislation that places statewide restrictions on abortions in Texas?

Need Assistance?