When Steven Fleischman became president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in 2025, he anticipated controversy but didn’t foresee its severity. ACOG, representing over 62,000 US OB-GYNs, offers guidance and advocates for abortion rights, positioning itself against medical misinformation, especially tied to pregnancy. Fleischman condemned unfounded claims from the Trump administration about Tylenol and Covid vaccines, highlighting a critical shift where ACOG is now advising members to question the CDC.
The organization faces challenges from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, potentially leaving 10 million uninsured and threatening healthcare services. ACOG has also chosen to reject federal funding to preserve its commitment to diversity and inclusion in healthcare.
In the wake of Trump’s policies, ACOG has amplified its advocacy efforts, increasing political contributions and planning to lobby against Medicaid cuts affecting vulnerable populations. However, ACOG’s political stance has made it a target of conservative groups, contributing to a decline in public trust in doctors by roughly 30%.
The Trump administration’s actions have led to a “guerrilla war against science,” leading ACOG to emphasize its Combatting Misinformation initiative and engage directly with patients to rebuild trust in healthcare. Fleischman believes personal connections between doctors and patients are vital for countering distrust in the medical community.
