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The Impact of TRAP Laws on the Supply of Maternal Healthcare Providers

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  • Pinka Chatterji
  • Chun‐Yu Ho
  • Quan Qi

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP) laws on the supply and composition of maternal healthcare providers, particularly obstetrician‐gynecologists (OB/GYNs). We exploit the staggered enactment of TRAP laws across U.S. states from 2010 to 2021 using a propensity score matching and stacked difference‐in‐differences approach. Our analytic sample includes physician‐, county‐ and state‐level measures of OB/GYN supply, newly graduated OB/GYNs, medical school and residency program applicants, nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) who practice women's healthcare, as well as advanced practice nurse midwives. TRAP law enactment is associated with a statistically significant reduction of 2.09 in OB/GYN supply per 100,000 females aged 15–44 (6.6% relative to the baseline). This decline is particularly pronounced among OB/GYNs aged 55–64. For OB/GYNs under 34, the estimates suggest a decline but this finding should be interpreted cautiously given pre‐trends. TRAP laws also are associated with a reduction in the supply of newly graduated OB/GYNs from lower‐ranked medical schools. We find no evidence that NPs, PAs, or midwives substitute for the decline in OB/GYNs. Mechanism analyses provide suggestive evidence that the supply contraction operates through exit rather than relocation. These findings highlight unintended consequences of abortion restrictions on broader maternal healthcare provision.

Suggested Citation

  • Pinka Chatterji & Chun‐Yu Ho & Quan Qi, 2026. "The Impact of TRAP Laws on the Supply of Maternal Healthcare Providers," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 35(6), pages 866-895, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:hlthec:v:35:y:2026:i:6:p:866-895
    DOI: 10.1002/hec.70087
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