American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
A companion 501(c)(6) organization,
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is a 501(c)(6) organization. It was founded in 2008 and became operational in 2010.
The two organizations coexist, and member individuals automatically belong to both. Both are not-for-profit. The College as a 501(c)(3) focuses on education (with limited political work), whereas the Congress as a 501(c)(6) is allowed to advocate for members' interests in terms of the business of medicine (BOM) through lobbying and other political work. Their main advocacy focuses on women's reproductive health, specifically opposing political interference in abortion access. Physician members are referred to as fellows and use the post-nominal letters FACOG to indicate their status. To become a fellow, a candidate must become certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, an independent organization, and then nominated to the College by another fellow. Non ObGyn professionals may join as an Allied Health Professional, but must meet their standards of education.