Early Studies Show No COVID-19 Transmission Between Mothers and Newborns

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

Early Studies Show No COVID-19 Transmission Between Mothers and Newborns

Mar 17, 2020, 10:38 AM by MSDC Staff

Early studies show there may be no transmission of COVID-19 between newborns and their mothers.

Early research from China is tentatively showing pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19 are not transmitting the coronavirus to their newborns.

The research, published in Frontiers in Pediatrics, followed four pregnant women who tested positive for the novel virus. Three of the newborns were tested for COVID-19 and the tests were negative. The fourth newborn was not tested but shows no symptoms of the disease.

This small study is consistent with another, similar small study published in The Lancet earlier this month.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology posted a new practice advisory last Friday in light of the uncertainty around the effect of COVID-19 on pregnant women and their fetuses. The guidance, seen here, emphasizes that pregnant women should be considered an at-risk population. It also encourages OB-GYNs to utilize telemedicine as much as possible with patients and to follow CDC guidelines on caring for patients amidst the public health crisis.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.