(NewsNation) — The retirement rate among doctors exceeds the replacement rate, leading to concerns about a nationwide shortage of obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYN) — a trend expected to worsen based on current data.

A 2021 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) projects a shortage of 5,000 OB-GYNs over the next five years.

More OB-GYNs are retiring

DHHS reported that 50,850 OB-GYNs were practicing in the U.S. in 2018; however; it’s projected to decrease to 47,490 by 2030.

Demand is expected to increase from 50,850 to 52,660 by 2030, DHHS reported.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, nearly half of active physicians nationwide are 55 and older.

Within the next five years, 35% of the physician workforce will be of retirement age, the AMMA reported.

What’s contributing to the shortage?

In addition to an aging workforce, NewsNation partner The Hill reported several contributing factors, such as burnout, overwhelming workloads, and fewer medical students applying to OB-GYN programs in states with strict abortion restrictions.

Physicians are stressed about the threat of malpractice lawsuits. OB-GYNs are the second most frequently sued physicians nationwide, resulting in “exorbitantly high malpractice insurance rates,” according to a 2023 Medscape “Physicians and Malpractice Report,” cited by The Hill.

Big cities and rural areas are feeling the impact.

Meanwhile, more than 5.6 million women live in areas with “low or no access to maternal care,” the March of Dimes reported, which reports hospitals are facing staffing and recruitment issues, rising costs and low birth volume.

The Hill contributed to this report.