Residency applications fell in states that restricted abortion after Dobbs
Mar 6th 2026
New research led by the University of Washington shows that after the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, medical residency applications to states that tightened abortion laws dropped markedly, especially in reproductive-related specialties and unexpectedly more among male applicants.
- A JAMA Network Open study published March 2 found sharp declines in residency applications to states that enacted new abortion restrictions after the Dobbs ruling.
- The drop occurred for both male and female applicants, with male applicants reducing applications at an even higher rate.
- Specialties tied to reproductive care, including obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine, internal medicine and emergency medicine, saw the largest decreases.
- Researchers used causal methods and a longer pre-period back to 2019 to isolate the Dobbs effect on application patterns.
- Highly competitive specialties showed little change because applicants typically apply broadly and have less geographic choice.
- Residency programs in restricted states still fill slots through the match, but the trend could affect applicant quality and future retention of physicians in those states.
- Institutions can respond with measures such as travel support for reproductive care, expanded training partnerships, stronger parental leave and lactation policies, and financial incentives to recruit trainees.