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 Members Visit the Wilson Building for Advocacy Event
Physicians are their own best advocates, so MSDC brought a group - virtually and in-person - to the DC Council as part of the annual Council Visit Day.
Council Visit Day is an annual event where physicians meet Councilmembers and their staff to discuss issues important to the entire DC House of Medicine.
This year, attendees shared three items:
- Concerns about B25-571, which would create a new mandatory CME requirement
- Information about prior auth gold carding as a next step in DC's progressive prior auth reforms
- A draft resolution encouraging Congress to fix the Medicare payment system
Attendees held six in-person and one virtual meeting, including meeting members of the Committee on Health and Committee on Health Equity. Towards the end of the day attendees spent 30 minutes with Councilmember Charles Allen discussing a number of healthcare topics and were thanked for their service.
This is not the only opportunity for physician engagement in advocacy this year; those interested in meeting Councilmembers or speaking with their offices can:
- Ask MSDC to help you sign up to testify at a hearing
- Ask MSDC to arrange a meeting to discuss an issue on the MSDC agenda
- Join or renew their membership to see opportunities in Capital Medicine or dedicated emails
For more information contact the MSDC office.
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.