Before and After SB8: Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Application Patterns in Texas [ID: 1353318

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In September 2021, Senate Bill 8 (SB8) banned abortion in Texas around 6 weeks of gestation. This law authorizes members of the public to sue anyone who performs or facilitates an illegal abortion. This study investigates the change in patterns of obstetrics and gynecology residency applications from the application cycle before and after the ban took effect. METHODS: Using publicly available data of United States obstetrics and gynecology residency applications via Association of American Medical Colleges Residency Explorer, we calculated the average number of applications submitted to residency programs in Texas before SB8 (2020 cycle) and after (2021 cycle) the law was in effect. We then compared the application patterns in the state of Texas to the average number of applications submitted to other states in the country. RESULTS: According to public data, the average number of applications per residency program in the United States increased from 547 to 616, or a net average increase in 69 applications per program, from 2020 to 2021. Comparatively, in the same time period, the average number of applications per program in Texas increased from 565 to 598, or a net average increase of 33. Therefore, the average rate of residency application increase in Texas was half that of the rest of the country. CONCLUSION: After the introduction of SB8, there was slower growth in the average number of applications to Texas obstetrics and gynecology residency programs compared to the average across the rest of the country. This could indicate a decreasing number of applicants to states with restrictive abortion laws in place in the future.