Texas’ abortion bans have driven hundreds of physicians to leave the state, retire early, or avoid practicing and training there altogether.

Sept 2, 2025
by Bonnie Fuller, Ms. Magazine

Dr. Lou Rubino is just one of many physicians who’ve left Texas as a result of the state’s multiple abortion bans, which prevent doctors from treating pregnant women using not just abortion care, but life-saving emergency care. Rubino told her story to Courier Texas writer Bonnie Fuller.

I remember very clearly the moment I knew I was done. I could no longer practice as a women’s healthcare doctor in Texas. I had a patient, probably 18 or 19 years old. I was doing an ultrasound, and she told me she needed an abortion for her safety. She said, “I’m too young. I don’t feel safe with my partner. I’m scared. I need an abortion.”

When a patient tells me they feel unsafe with a partner, I take that very seriously. Pregnant people are at high risk of harm from abusive partners. It’s a dangerous time. She knew what she needed, and I knew it was wrong for me to say no.

Continued: https://msmagazine.com/2025/09/02/how-texas-abortion-restrictions-are-driving-doctors-away-by-following-the-law-i-was-doing-the-wrong-thing-medically/