Supporting Medically Complex Care for Patients Who Are Pregnant

November 30, 2023

Together with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association, and other medical associations, the American College of Chest Physicians supports an amicus brief arguing that clinicians must be able to exercise their discretion to provide critical care to patients who are pregnant in medically complex cases, regardless of existing Texas laws.

The amicus brief written in response to the State of Texas, et al. v. Amanda Zurawski, et al. seeks to convey that Texas laws are deterring clinicians from providing—and their patients from receiving—critically necessary abortions, even when that care is essential to protect those patients’ lives and health. The brief also clarifies that the Texans who are suffering the most are those who experience discrimination due to race or ethnicity, have low incomes, and/or live in rural areas—individuals who already face inequities in the health care system. The ban on abortions is leading to a predictable increase in maternal mortality, already at crisis rates, particularly for Texans of color.

Read the full amicus brief.