Women's Health
MSDC has long advocated for women's health protections, the rights of women physicians, and affordable care for women's issues. MSDC works closes with ACOG, AAFP, AAP, and other specialty organizations to craft local legislation that allows DC to be the best place to practice women's and maternal medicine.
In the face of a maternal mortality crisis in the District, engagement in these issues is more important than ever. Learn more about how MSDC is working to protect the health of women, mothers, and babies in all wards in the city.
MSDC Statements and Testimony on Women's Health Issues
25th Council information coming soon!
U.S. Birth Weights Dropping Due to Earlier Delivery
Between 1990 and 2013, the average weight of a newborn baby dropped 2.4 ounces - from 7.31 pounds to 7.16 pounds. This is based on analysis done by researchers from the University of Colorado from CDC data (see WashPost story here).
During the same time period, the percentage that a birth would occur at 40 weeks dropped (29% -> 18%) while the percentage chance that a birth would occur in weeks 37-39 increased (38% -> 49%). Researchers point to the increase in Caesarean sections and induce labor during this period for the shift in birth weight and earlier deliveries. However, the 7.16 pound average birth weight is well above the medically accepted boundary of 5 pounds, 8 ounces for low birth rate.
While c-section births are safe medical procedures, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) recognize that the rise in c-section rates may have external factors. Their 2014 Obstetric Care Consensus (reaffirmed in 2019) points to different strategies to reduce unnecessary c-sections.
Sample of Legislation MSDC Followed in Women's Health and Maternal Health
(See the whole list of bills here)
What does the bill do? Extends postpartum inpatient and outpatient benefits to at least one year after childbirth
MSDC position: We support this legislation and the extension of insurance benefits to mothers and babies to help maternal health in the District
Current status: SUCCESS. The bill passed the Council and was signed into law by the Mayor on August 14, 2020.
What does the bill do? The bill prohibits the District government from interfering with patients' reproductive health decisions and prohibits employers from punishing physicians who perform abortions or sterilizations outside of their employment.
MSDC position: We support this legislation as it allows physicians freedom of practice.
Current status: SUCCESS. The bill passed the Committee on Government Operations in January. MSDC submitted testimony at the December hearing, and MSDC member Sara Imershein testified at the hearing. The Council passed the bill and the Mayor signed it into law on March 23, 2020.
What does the bill do? The bill extends coverage for maternal health issues and fertility preservation, creates a Maternal Health Center in the District, and mandates two hours of cultural competence CME for health care providers.
MSDC position: We oppose the bill without changes due to inclusion of mandatory CME and some of the definitions in the bill being medically questionable.
Current status: The bill had a hearing in the Committee on Health in December, with MSDC member Dr. Sara Imershein testifying for MSDC and ACOG.
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