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!
2024 MSDC Capital Healthcare Honors
The 2024 Capital Healthcare Honors will take place on Wednesday, March 13, from 6:00 to 9:30 PM in Dupont Circle. Save the date for this festive awards gala which brings together government leaders and healthcare executives, physicians from all specialties across the region, healthcare providers, and many others from the community.
We are pleased to announce the first of our 2024 Capital Healthcare Honorees, with additional honorees to be announced next week. Mark your calendar and watch your email for the additional honorees and registration opening. Given our distinguished, high-profile awardees, this event is expected to sell out.
Meet the 2024 John Benjamin Nichols Award Recipients
This year, MSDC will present two John Benjamin Nichols Awards, which is given to people or organizations for outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community. Meet the honorees below.
Honorable Vincent Gray
The Honorable Vincent Gray is a long-time leader in District healthcare. During his distinguished career, Chair Gray introduced major healthcare reforms such as universal pre-Kindergarten and birth-to-three support. He is the first former Mayor, first former Council Chair, and second Councilmember to receive this honor.
Bread for the City and Produce Rx
By partnering on the Produce Rx program, Bread for the City and DC Greens are being recognized for their partnership to expand access to healthy foods in the District, especially “east of the river.” The Produce Rx program is a major DC initiative to prescribe fruits and vegetables to patients, and Bread for the City connects patients, providers, and grocery stores.
2024 Capital Healthcare Honors Details
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
6:00 - 9:30 PM
2121 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20008
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.