Doctor Eichelberger highlights South Carolina's declining OB GYN workforce crisis
March 04, 2025 | Judiciary, Standing, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, South Carolina
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In a recent meeting of the House Judiciary Committee's Domestic Relations, Business & Probate Laws Subcommittee, urgent concerns were raised regarding the declining number of obstetricians and gynecologists (OB GYNs) in South Carolina. Dr. Casey Eichelberger, a medical educator, highlighted that a significant portion of the state lacks adequate access to OBGYN services, with one-third of counties reporting no available providers.
Despite South Carolina being one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, the number of practicing OB GYNs has decreased by 4% over the past 21 months. Dr. Eichelberger noted that this trend is alarming, especially as it takes nearly a decade to train a new OB GYN. The situation is exacerbated by many residents and medical students opting to practice in other states, with only three out of 16 graduating OBGYN residents choosing to remain in South Carolina last year.
The meeting also touched on the broader implications of recent abortion restrictions, which have led to a significant exodus of OBGYNs from states with such bans. For instance, in Idaho, 22% of OBGYNs have left or retired early due to the restrictive environment, while Texas has seen similar trends, with many practitioners reconsidering their practice locations. Dr. Eichelberger emphasized that these restrictions not only threaten the availability of care but also compromise the patient-physician relationship, impacting essential services like miscarriage care and prenatal support.
The consequences of this workforce decline are dire, with women in South Carolina facing longer wait times for routine care and poorer health outcomes. The state's maternal mortality data released recently reflects these troubling trends, underscoring the urgent need for action to support the OBGYN workforce. Without intervention, the health and well-being of future generations in South Carolina could be at serious risk.
As the subcommittee continues to discuss legislative measures, the focus remains on addressing these critical healthcare challenges to ensure that women in South Carolina receive the care they need.
Despite South Carolina being one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, the number of practicing OB GYNs has decreased by 4% over the past 21 months. Dr. Eichelberger noted that this trend is alarming, especially as it takes nearly a decade to train a new OB GYN. The situation is exacerbated by many residents and medical students opting to practice in other states, with only three out of 16 graduating OBGYN residents choosing to remain in South Carolina last year.
The meeting also touched on the broader implications of recent abortion restrictions, which have led to a significant exodus of OBGYNs from states with such bans. For instance, in Idaho, 22% of OBGYNs have left or retired early due to the restrictive environment, while Texas has seen similar trends, with many practitioners reconsidering their practice locations. Dr. Eichelberger emphasized that these restrictions not only threaten the availability of care but also compromise the patient-physician relationship, impacting essential services like miscarriage care and prenatal support.
The consequences of this workforce decline are dire, with women in South Carolina facing longer wait times for routine care and poorer health outcomes. The state's maternal mortality data released recently reflects these troubling trends, underscoring the urgent need for action to support the OBGYN workforce. Without intervention, the health and well-being of future generations in South Carolina could be at serious risk.
As the subcommittee continues to discuss legislative measures, the focus remains on addressing these critical healthcare challenges to ensure that women in South Carolina receive the care they need.
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