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!
MSDC Launches Unconscious Bias in DC Medicine Survey
Today, the Medical Society of DC launched a new survey to determine how unconscious bias may be impacting the practice of medicine in the District.
The survey was designed by the MSDC Unconscious Bias in Medicine Task Force. The Task Force, whose membership can be seen here, has a mission to determine if/how unconscious bias impacts the practice of medicine in the District and how the physician community can address these issues. The task force's first step is to launch the survey.
The survey has four tracks: medical students, fellows/medical Residents, physicians/healthcare workers, and medical administrators. Upon answering the first question, the survey taker will be automatically taken to their correct batch of questions. On average, respondents take 2-4 minutes to complete their questions.
The Task Force will take the results of the survey and write an academic paper describing the results. They will also create white papers, templates, and other materials designed to help medical practices in the District combat unconscious bias and improve medical care in DC.
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.
Leave a comment