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 Board Votes to Create Gender Equity Task Force
The MSDC Board of Directors held its first meeting of 2022 on February 28, and the agenda was packed. Similar to the two previous meetings, Board members gathered in-person at MSDC's offices as well as online.
The agenda included a new proposal to create a gender equity task force, which the Board approved. This task force will issue a report, "detailing its positions on gender equity in medicine and provide tangible recommendations on how MSDC can further promote the advancement of this cause in medicine including, but not limited to, suggestions for programming, initiatives, and resources for members and the medical community at large." The task force will also create a reporting system to track the demographics and equitable representation among MSDC volunteers, speakers, and event attendees. The recommendations came from the Chairs of the Women in Medicine Section and Advocacy Committee as a follow-up to a presentation from the American Women's Medical Association last year.
The Board also approved a new policy on healthy foods in DC healthcare facilities, including hospitals. Recognizing that changes in public health can best be modeled when patients receive care, the new MSDC policy encourages all healthcare facilities to offer healthier food alternatives, stop serving processed meat, promote healthy beverages, and provide nutritional information for food served. The policy models the American Medical Association's policy, which MSDC's delegation also introduced.
In addition to these items, the Board took the following actions:
- Approving the deadline to renew membership dues of March 31
- Approving the 2022 Investment Policy Statement
- Approving contracting with GRF CPAs for the annual audit.
The Board heard a presentation from the Chair regarding COVID statistics in DC as well as expectations for Board members. The Board also discussed recent advocacy victories including:
- Introduction of legislation to reform prior authorization in DC
- Dr. Laurie Duncan testifying at the DC Health oversight hearing
- MSDC submitting testimony on legislation supporting FGM prohibition and stating concerns with CFSA policy on positive toxicology screenings during their oversight hearing
The meeting began with a presentation by Unity Insurance on its offerings for medical practices and physicians. Unity is MSDC's newest corporate partner and insurance option for DC physicians. For more information, see our press release.
The next MSDC Board meeting will be April 25, 2022. MSDC members in good standing may request an invitation to attend from Robert Hay Jr.
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.