Elections
Get election-ready with ACOG's Election Toolkit.
Vote with Confidence with ACOG's Essential Election Resources
Use this guide to learn more about key advocacy issues, local and federal election resources, and opportunities to get involved.
Your voice matters—now more than ever.
The 2026 midterm elections will shape the future of health care policy, access to care, and the ob-gyn workforce. Decisions made by elected officials directly impact your patients, your practice, and your ability to provide timely, evidence-based care.
Ob-gyns are trusted voices in their communities. By engaging in the electoral process, you can help ensure that policymakers understand what’s at stake for patients and physicians alike. We have many resources available that highlight our priorities this election season and beyond so that you can be confident that you’re as informed as possible in preparation for elections. Please use this guide to learn more about key advocacy issues, local and federal election resources, and opportunities to get involved.
Participating in elections and researching candidate positions is essential to ensuring that our elected representatives take actions that respond to the needs of our practices, our patients, and our profession. ACOG is a nonpartisan organization, and we encourage all of our members to make their voices heard in the political process. We have many resources available that highlight our priorities this election season and beyond so that you can be confident that you’re as informed as possible in preparation for elections. Please use this guide to learn more about key advocacy issues, local and federal election resources, and opportunities to get involved.
Jump to: Questions for Candidates | Register to Vote | Support ACOG Priorities | Social Media Tool Kit
Getting Started
Understanding what ACOG’s key policy priorities are and why they’re important is critical to ensuring that you’re ready to discuss crucial issues whenever the time comes. Visit ACOG’s policy priorities hub to learn more.
Once you’re up to speed on ACOG’s policy priorities, review the National Conference of State Legislatures’ 2026 election calendar to find dates of upcoming elections.
Looking for opportunities to engage with candidates ahead of the election? Check out accounts run by elected officials and candidates, such as social media platforms, and official government websites or candidate websites that have sections on press releases, events, and media alerts. You can also sign up for newsletters from the elected official or candidate through their website or call or email their office.
Other places to look for opportunities to speak with candidates include local newspapers, neighborhood websites or newsletters, and Eventbrite or other online digests of local events.
Questions for Candidates
In the lead-up to election season, you may see candidates for local, state, and federal office at town halls, at community events such as local fairs and farmers markets, or out and about in your neighborhood. The questions below can help you prepare to speak with candidates about the issues that are important to you, no matter where or when those conversations happen.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
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Introduce yourself and establish relevance
- Example: “My name is Dr. [Name], and I am an ob-gyn who lives/works in your district”
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Lead with your experience
- Share brief, real-world examples from your practice
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Be concise and direct
- Ask one clear question at a time to encourage a specific response
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Focus on patient outcomes
- Frame issues in terms of how policies affect patient access, safety, and quality of care
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Ask for specificity and accountability
- Encourage candidates to explain how they will act, not just their general position
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Follow up when needed
- If an answer is vague, ask for clarification or concrete next steps
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Access to comprehensive reproductive health care is essential to the health and well-being of my patients. This includes access to contraception, abortion care, preventive services, and the full range of ob-gyn care.
- What is your position on access to comprehensive reproductive health services, including contraception, abortion care, and fertility care (eg, IVF)?
- How will you protect the patient–physician relationship from political or legislative interference?
- What policies would you support to ensure that my patients can access needed reproductive care without delays or barriers?
- How will you ensure continuity of care for my patients whose access may be limited by geography or policy restrictions?
- Do you support penalties or legal consequences for physicians who provide evidence-based reproductive health care, and how would you ensure that physicians can practice without fear of criminalization?
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Maternal health remains a critical issue in our community and across the country. Maternal mortality rates remain too high, and it is estimated that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.
- What specific policies or actions would you support to reduce maternal mortality and improve outcomes, particularly in high-risk or low-resource communities?
- How will you ensure that my patients have timely access to prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care, including coverage through the full postpartum period?
- What steps would you take to address maternity care deserts, hospital closures, or gaps in local access to care?
- How will you work with physicians to advance evidence-based, physician-led solutions to improve maternal health outcomes?
- What specific steps would you take to reduce preventable maternal deaths, and how would you measure accountability and progress?
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State and federal government must address persistent inequities in maternal and reproductive health outcomes.
- What policies would you support to reduce disparities in maternal and reproductive health outcomes?
- How will you improve access to culturally responsive, patient-centered care?
- What role should community-based programs and local health systems play in improving health outcomes?
- How will you support a diverse health care workforce, and why is that important for patient care?
- How would you ensure that policies aimed at reducing health disparities are implemented effectively and held accountable for improving outcomes in underserved communities?
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Ob-gyn workforce shortages continue to affect patient access to care in many communities. Nearly half of counties in the U.S. do not have a single practicing ob-gyn.
- How would you support the future physician workforce, including medical school, residency training, and other workforce development programs?
- What solutions would you propose to reduce administrative burdens that lead to physician burnout, such as prior authorization and excessive documentation?
- What solutions do you propose to support needed medical professional liability reform?
- How will you address ongoing Medicare physician payment cuts and advance long-term Medicare physician payment reform?
- What policies would you support to ensure that physician practices remain financially sustainable?
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Coverage, affordability, and access to care remain major challenges for many patients. Medicaid plays a critical role in ensuring access to prenatal, delivery, postpartum, and preventive health services. For pregnant patients with private insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs for pregnancy care can cost thousands of dollars, threatening families with medical debt.
- Do you support 12-month postpartum Medicaid coverage, and if so, how would you protect it?
- What is your position on policies that affect eligibility or access to coverage, such as work requirements or benefit restrictions?
- How will you reduce out-of-pocket costs for preventive, maternal, and reproductive health services?
- What steps would you take to ensure that my patients can access care when they need it, without financial barriers?
- What policies would you support to improve health care coverage, affordability, and access, particularly for ob-gyn care, and how would you ensure that my patients can obtain timely, evidence-based services?
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Vaccines play an essential role in protecting the health of my pregnant patients, their babies, and our community.
- Do you support evidence-based public health measures, including vaccination?
- How will you combat harmful health misinformation and promote trust in evidence-based care?
- What policies would you support to ensure affordable and equitable access to vaccines and preventive services?
- How will you strengthen public health infrastructure and emergency preparedness?
- How will you work with physicians and public health experts to communicate accurate health information to the public?
Register to Vote
Here are some steps you can take to ensure that you’re ready to vote this November.
Support ACOG Priorities
Ob-GynPAC is the only federal political action committee, or PAC, dedicated exclusively to electing legislators who support our specialty. Ob-GynPAC supports candidates who share our priorities on topics that matter to ob-gyns and their patients. From improving maternal health and defending the patient–physician relationship to protecting access to health care for all individuals and creating a stronger, more sustainable practice environment for our members, ACOG’s advocacy across party lines and across the country is powered by Ob-GynPAC.
Learn more about Ob-GynPAC and find out how to support the PAC.
Note: Those who contribute to the PAC are eligible to request contributions for state and federal candidates.
Social Media Tool Kit
Explore the accordion below to find captions crafted for Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Pair them with any of the graphics below to add the perfect visual to your post.
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As an ob-gyn, I see every day how policy decisions affect my patients. That’s why I’m paying attention to my local elections this year.
If you haven’t already, make a plan to vote and check your dates: acog.org/elections
#ObGynsInAction -
Primary elections are happening now, and they matter more than people think.
Do you know when yours is? Check your state’s date and get ready: acog.org/elections
#ObGynsInAction -
For me, advocacy is part of patient care. As an ob-gyn, I’ve been using resources from ACOG to stay informed and engaged this election season. Check out ACOG’s election tools: acog.org/election
#ObGynsInAction -
If you care about maternal health, access to care, or the future of ob-gyn health, now’s the time to speak up.
Candidates want to hear from us. Here are some helpful tips to get started: acog.org/elections
#ObGynsInAction -
As an ob-gyn, I see firsthand how policy affects my patients and my practice. That’s why I’m making a plan to vote this year and paying attention to local elections.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are some great resources at the link in my bio.
#ObGynsInAction
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As ob-gyns, we have a unique perspective on the health care system and the needs of our patients. Voting in elections is our opportunity to advocate for policies that support our patients’ health, reproductive rights, and access to quality care. Make sure your voice is heard! #ObGynsVote #HealthCareHeroes #Elections
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To all my ob-gyn colleagues: your vote is your voice. ILet’s band together to support comprehensive health care policies that protect and empower our patients in upcoming elections. Every vote counts! #VoteForHealth #ObGynsVote #Elections
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Ob-gyns: your upcoming elections are crucial for our profession and our patients. By voting, we can influence policies that shape our patients’ health and their access to care. Let’s use our voices to make change for the better! #ObGynsVote #Vote #HealthCareAdvocates
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As physicians, we see firsthand the effects of health care policies. Let’s ensure our voices are heard in our upcoming elections by voting for candidates that support our patients and profession. Ob-gyns, your vote is crucial! #ObGynsVote #HealthCareLeadership #Elections
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To all ob-gyns: your vote in upcoming elections can make a significant difference in shaping the future of health care. Let’s vote for a system that supports patient health. #VoteForHealth #ObGynsVote #Elections
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Primary elections are already happening across the country, and they matter more than people think. Do you know when yours is? I had to double-check the date for mine.
Find your date and get ready to vote at the link in my bio.
#ObGynsInAction -
Advocacy doesn’t have to be complicated. It can start with something as simple as voting.
I’ve been using tools from ACOG to stay informed and feel more confident engaging in this election season. Check them out at the link in my bio.
#ObGynsInAction -
Candidates want to hear from their constituents—especially if you’re an expert on the topics you care about. As an ob-gyn, I make talking to candidates a priority, especially when it comes to issues affecting my profession or my patients.
If you’ve ever thought about speaking up on issues like maternal health or access to care, this is a great place to start.
Find conversation tips and questions you can ask candidates at the link in my bio.
#ObGynsInAction
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As ob-gyns, we are on the front lines of health care, advocating for patient health and reproductive rights every day. Our upcoming elections are a crucial moment for us to ensure that our voices are heard in shaping the future of health care policy. Let’s vote for the change we want to see. #ObGynsVote #HealthCareLeadership #Elections
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The role of health care professionals in the upcoming elections cannot be overstated. Our votes have the power to influence policies that shape our practice and the well-being of our patients. Let’s unite and vote for a healthier future! #Vote #ObGynsVote #HealthCareAdvocates
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To my fellow ob-gyns: voting in your upcoming elections is our chance to advocate for comprehensive health care policies. By casting our votes, we can help move toward a health care system that supports and empowers our patients. Every vote matters. #VoteForHealth #ObGynsVote #Elections
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As ob-gyns, we have the power to influence health care policy through our vote. The upcoming elections are a pivotal moment for us to advocate for patient health and reproductive rights. Let’s make sure our voices are heard. #ObGynsVote #HealthCareLeadership #Elections
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Health care policies shape our daily work and our patients’ lives. As ob-gyns, we must vote in our upcoming elections to ensure these policies reflect our values and priorities. Let’s stand together and vote for a healthier future. #Vote #ObGynsVote #HealthCareAdvocates
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