NY AG Leads Push Against Harsh Abortion, Gender Care Board Certs

New York – In a bold move against state-sanctioned intimidation, New York Attorney General Letitia James has spearheaded a coalition of 19 attorneys general to combat restrictive medical board certification requirements. This initiative targets the perilous travel demands placed on abortion and gender-affirming care providers, who face both legal sanctions and physical danger when compelled to seek certification in states where such services are criminalized.

The coalition’s appeal to the American Medical Association (AMA) demands an urgent reevaluation of current policies that require these providers to navigate hostile environments for board certification. Attorney General James asserts that this practice not only endangers healthcare professionals but also hinders access to vital care, emphasizing that such requirements are both unnecessary and dangerous.

“As states turn their legal systems into weapons against doctors providing essential health care, the AMA must defend providers,” James declared. “Healthcare providers should not have to risk their safety or freedom to advance in their careers. The AMA must act swiftly to prevent these requirements from becoming tools for harassment and intimidation.”

Despite the AMA’s policy change this year acknowledging the risks of such state laws, the coalition argues that the association’s stance lacks urgency and fails to provide concrete guidance. They urge the AMA to recommend specific steps, including relocating testing sites, implementing remote tests, or granting exemptions from in-person exams in restrictive states.

The testimony underscores the escalating legal challenges for healthcare providers following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling. The coalition warns that mandatory in-person certification in penalizing states could have far-reaching consequences, particularly noting the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ requirement for OB/GYNs to travel to Texas, a state with stringent anti-abortion laws.

Attorney General James and her coalition warn against the intimidation tactics employed by officials in these states, which aim to punish providers regardless of where care is administered. The pushback against these restrictive laws is part of a broader movement ensuring that healthcare professionals can practice without fear of harassment and intimidation.

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