The value of advocacy in obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To show that advocacy on behalf of an individual or organization has improved the practice of obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine. RECENT FINDINGS: Advocacy by an individual or a large group aims to influence public policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions. For obstetrician-gynecologists and maternal-fetal medicine physicians, there is a health policy medical practice intersection that may be often overlooked. In the areas of research, reimbursement, federal policies surrounding maternity care, and quality improvement, physician leaders have influenced the policymaking process and can improve upon it in the future. SUMMARY: Because of advocacy efforts by organizations whose members may include physicians and patients, pregnant women will have access to better quality of care, and physicians will be better off. Also, quality measures that will be implemented will make sense to those who must comply with them because of expert involvement. Advocacy is an investment for the future of the practice of obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine - to ensure that the workforce is strengthened and that the care of women and their babies is the best it can be.