Practicing in the Post-Dobbs Era: New Legal Challenges Facing Radiologists

In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization, reversing the longstanding precedent of Roe vs. Wade, and returning regulation of abortion to the states. Although obstetricians and emergency radiologists bear the more direct impact of these regulations, radiologists provide imaging support that may lead to a decision on abortion and may also be implicated by these regulations. These regulations impact the lexicon radiologists use, the imaging documentation expected, and in extreme cases could result in civil or criminal liability of radiologists for "aiding and abetting" an abortion. Radiologists practicing in abortion-restrictive states will need to be cognizant of the laws of their jurisdiction and adjust their practices appropriately.