ACOG Recommends Covid-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy

The **American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)** is a leading professional organization for physicians specializing in obstetrics and gynecology in the United States, with over 62,000 members including medical students, residents, practicing and retired physicians, and allied health professionals[1][4]. Founded in 1951 in Chicago, ACOG has become the premier voice for women’s health care providers, promoting the highest standards of clinical practice, education, and advocacy for reproductive health[1][2][4]. ACOG operates as a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization, with a companion 501(c)(3) entity focused on education and limited political activity. Together, they support members through evidence-based clinical guidelines, continuing education, management tools, and career resources[1][4]. The organization’s members, called fellows (FACOG), must be certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and nominated by peers[1]. Historically, ACOG has played a pivotal role in advancing women’s reproductive rights, notably challenging an anti-abortion law before the U.S. Supreme Court in *Thornburgh v. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists* (1986), and affirming support for safe abortion access post-Roe v. Wade[1][3]. It balances physician autonomy with patient-centered care, emphasizing science-backed, respectful treatment. ACOG’s initiatives extend beyond clinical care to public health programs such as adolescent health, fetal and infant mortality review, violence prevention, and contraception access. Its patient education platform, Every Stage Health, empowers women with reliable information[2][4][5]. The organization also addresses emerging issues like immunization, infectious diseases, and abortion care through programs like IMPACT and maintains a respected publication, *Obstetrics & Gynecology* ("The Green Journal")[1][5]. Today, ACOG remains a powerful advocate for equitable, quality women’s health car

The **Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)** is the premier national public health agency of the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Its primary mission is to protect public health and safety through disease control, injury prevention, and health promotion both nationally and globally[1][8]. Established in 1946 initially as a single "Center for Disease Control," the agency expanded and reorganized in 1980 into multiple specialized centers, reflecting a broader focus beyond infectious diseases to include environmental health, chronic disease, occupational safety, and health education[7]. The CDC comprises various centers and institutes, such as the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), among others. These centers enable the CDC to address a wide array of public health challenges through research, surveillance, policy development, and education[2]. It also plays a key role in emergency preparedness and response, demonstrated notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, where its guidance shaped public health actions despite complex political and social dynamics[8]. Key achievements include pioneering epidemiological research, controlling outbreaks of infectious diseases, advancing vaccine safety and immunization programs, and addressing emerging health threats such as obesity and diabetes. The CDC is recognized for disseminating authoritative health information, including the widely cited Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), and for its global collaborations with health organizations worldwide[1][3][8]. Currently, the CDC is undergoing organizational adjustments to focus more intensively on infectious diseases, as part of the 2025 Department of Health and Human Services reorganization. This includes absorbing the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response while shifting some functions like occupational safety to new entities[1]. The agency’s comprehensive approach, backed by science and government funding, positions it as a critical leader in public health innovation, disease prevention, and health security i

The **American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM)** is a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the practice and education of nurse-midwifery in the United States. Founded in **1955** in New Mexico, ACNM emerged to unify and professionalize midwifery, transitioning it from informal, community-based care into a nationally recognized healthcare profession[1][2]. It represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives, setting educational standards, advocating for midwives’ roles in healthcare, and promoting maternal and infant health. Historically, midwifery in America dates back to colonial times, practiced informally by women without formal certification. The ACNM’s foundation was pivotal in transforming the profession through standardized education, certification, and advocacy. The first national certification exam for CNMs, administered by ACNM, was held in **1971**, and the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), established later, now independently certifies midwives[1][4]. This professionalization has helped integrate midwives into mainstream healthcare, especially benefiting rural and underserved communities by offering personalized, holistic maternal care[4]. The ACNM has been instrumental in key achievements such as establishing rigorous educational standards, promoting research, and advocating policy changes that expand midwives’ scope of practice. It has grown to over 7,000 members, reflecting its robust influence in healthcare policy and women’s health advocacy[4]. Despite its successes, the profession faces ongoing challenges related to racial disparities in maternal health outcomes and inclusion, which the ACNM is actively addressing through diversity and equity initiatives[5][6]. Today, ACNM remains a vital force in advancing nurse-midwifery as a science and art, bridging traditional caregiving with modern healthcare technology and policy. It continues to promote safe, equitable, and high-quality care for women and families across the U.S., positioning nurse-midwives as key contributors to innovative healthcare delivery in materna

## Overview and Mission The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is a leading nonprofit, multidisciplinary organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of reproductive medicine worldwide[1][2][3]. With a membership of nearly 9,000 scientists, physicians, and healthcare professionals from over 100 countries, ASRM is a global authority in reproductive health, providing evidence-based education, research funding, clinical guidelines, and advocacy for both professionals and patients[3][4]. Its core mission is to ensure accessible, ethical, and high-quality reproductive care for all, while promoting innovation and lifelong learning in the field[1][3]. ## History and Evolution Founded in 1944 as the American Society for the Study of Sterility by a group of fertility experts, the organization evolved into the American Fertility Society in 1965 and adopted its current name, ASRM, in 1994[2]. Over its nearly 80-year history, ASRM has grown from a small professional group into a global leader, establishing itself as a hub for scientific exchange, ethical discourse, and public policy advocacy in reproductive medicine[1][2]. In 2018, ASRM launched its own research institute and, in 2019, relocated its headquarters to Washington, D.C., signaling its commitment to influencing national health policy[2]. ## Key Achievements and Activities ASRM’s impact is multifaceted. The organization hosts an annual scientific congress, along with courses, seminars, and workshops that foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among experts[2]. It publishes peer-reviewed guidelines and a professional journal, setting standards for clinical and laboratory practice[4]. ASRM’s Practice Committee issues evidence-based clinical guidelines, while its Ethics Committee addresses complex moral questions in reproductive technology[2]. The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), an ASRM affiliate, maintains a national registry tracking in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes, contributing to transparency and quality improvemen

## Overview The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) is a leading nonprofit professional organization established in 1977 and headquartered in Washington, D.C.[1] It represents over 6,500 clinicians, scientists, and women’s health professionals dedicated to advancing the care of high-risk pregnancies through education, research, and advocacy[2]. The organization is governed by a 22-member Board of Directors and supported by more than 20 volunteer committees, each focused on shaping policy, clinical guidelines, and educational initiatives[2]. ## Mission and Activities SMFM’s mission is to support the clinical practice of maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) by providing education, promoting research, and engaging in advocacy to optimize equitable outcomes for all people who desire or experience pregnancy[1][2]. Its vision emphasizes the advancement of optimal and equitable perinatal outcomes for all, with diversity, equity, and inclusion central to all its initiatives[1][7]. The organization offers a robust suite of educational resources, including live and on-demand webinars, hands-on workshops, and the prestigious Pregnancy Meeting, which attracts thousands of global experts annually[2]. SMFM also publishes PREGNANCY, an open-access journal that disseminates cutting-edge research to the global MFM community[2]. ## Research and Advocacy SMFM is a strong advocate for evidence-based medicine, supporting numerous research initiatives and training programs to improve outcomes for high-risk pregnancies[2]. The affiliated Foundation for SMFM, established to promote the career development of young investigators, funds research scholarships and global health initiatives, further expanding the organization’s impact[3]. SMFM has also taken public stances on reproductive health, supporting access to the full spectrum of reproductive services, including abortion care, and opposing legislation that restricts such access or criminalizes providers[5]. ## Key Achievements - **Professional Development:** SMFM has grown from a small group of subspecialists to a global leader in maternal-feta