James Leads Fight Against AMA’s Risky Certification

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James is leading a multi-state revolt against the American Medical Association (AMA), accusing the organization of passively endangering doctors who provide abortion and gender-affirming care. The core of the issue: board certification requirements that force practitioners to travel to states actively hostile to these medical services, putting them at legal and physical risk. It’s a blatant disregard for provider safety, and James isn’t backing down.

In a scathing testimony submitted to the AMA, James and a coalition of 19 other Attorneys General argue that demanding in-person testing in states like Texas – where abortion is effectively outlawed and penalties are severe – is reckless. The AG’s office points to the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ABOG) specifically, which currently requires OB/GYNs seeking certification to travel to Texas for testing. Texas law classifies abortion as a first-degree felony, punishable by life imprisonment, and empowers vigilantes to enforce the ban. The message is clear: the AMA is potentially sending doctors into a legal minefield.

“As states weaponize their legal systems to punish doctors for providing essential health care, the American Medical Association must stand strong in defense of providers,” James stated bluntly. “Reproductive health care and gender-affirming care providers should not have to risk their safety or freedom just to advance in their medical careers. Forcing providers to travel to states that have declared war on reproductive freedom and LGBTQ+ rights is as unnecessary as it is dangerous.” The AG’s office is particularly concerned for pregnant and transgender providers, who face even greater vulnerability.

While the AMA recently acknowledged the risks and adopted a policy encouraging medical boards to explore alternative testing options, James and the coalition deem this response insufficient. They argue the AMA needs to provide concrete guidance to specialty boards, not just vague encouragement. The Attorneys General are demanding immediate action, including relocating testing sites to non-restrictive states, switching to remote testing formats, or granting individual exemptions for providers facing heightened risk. They’re not asking for special treatment, they’re demanding basic safety precautions.

The legal battle stems from the fallout of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade and unleashed a wave of restrictive abortion laws. The same states now targeting reproductive rights are increasingly turning their sights on gender-affirming care. James and her colleagues warn that officials in these states aren’t simply enacting laws; they’re actively attempting to intimidate and punish healthcare providers, regardless of where the care was administered. This isn’t about medical standards, it’s about political persecution.

The stakes are high. Mandating in-person testing in hostile states could have a chilling effect on the healthcare industry, discouraging qualified professionals from pursuing board certification and ultimately limiting access to essential care. James’ office is making it clear: the AMA has a responsibility to protect its members, and failing to do so will have dire consequences for patients across the country. This isn’t just a legal fight; it’s a fight for the future of healthcare in America.

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