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!
Call for Advocacy Volunteers: Join Our New Task Forces!
Are you passionate about healthcare policy and governance? Do you want to make a meaningful impact in the DC medical community? The MSDC Board is excited to announce the formation of two new task forces, and we are seeking dedicated volunteers to join us in this important work.
Task Force 1: Federal Policy Task Force
The first task force will focus on analyzing actions taken by the President and Congress that affect healthcare and the District government. This group will be responsible for:
- Monitoring and evaluating relevant legislation and executive actions.
- Assessing the potential impact of these actions on our organization and the communities we serve.
- Developing strategic recommendations for how MSDC should respond to these developments, and make recommendations to the MSDC Board.
We are looking for individuals with a strong understanding of healthcare policy, legislative processes, or advocacy. Your insights will help us navigate the complex landscape of federal actions and ensure that our organization remains proactive and responsive.
Task Force 2: Policy Review Task Force
The second task force will undertake a comprehensive review of our Board-approved policies. This group will be tasked with:
- Evaluating existing policies to determine their effectiveness and relevance.
- Identifying policies that may need to be updated or changed in light of new information or changing circumstances.
- Proposing new policies that align with our mission and enhance our operations.
We invite volunteers with experience in nonprofit governance, policy analysis, or organizational development to lend their expertise. Your contributions will be vital in ensuring that our policies reflect best practices and support our mission effectively.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in joining either of these task forces, please reach out to us at hay@msdc.org. In your message, let us know which task force you would like to join and a brief overview of your relevant experience or interest.
Volunteering for these task forces is a fantastic opportunity to engage with critical issues in healthcare and contribute to the strategic direction of our nonprofit. Together, we can make a difference!
Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve. We look forward to hearing from you!
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.