Council Passes Protections for Reproductive Health Physicians March 4, 2020
Written by MSDC Staff
On the day before the Supreme Court considers a case that would limit access to reproductive services, the District Council passed a major piece of legislation that would protect physicians working in reproductive care.
In Tuesday's legislative meeting, the Council passed B23-434, the Strengthening Reproductive Health Protections Amendments Act of 2020. The legislation permits physicians who practice reproductive health from being fired or punished by employers for activities unrelated to their employment. In addition, the bill codifies the ability of physicians to work with women to determine their reproductive health options.
MSDC member Dr. Sara Imershein testified on the legislation in its December committee hearing and MSDC submitted a written statement outlining its policy on abortion.
At the same hearing, two other bills of interest to DC physicians cleared the first vote hurdle. B23-416, the BABIES Amendment Act of 2020, would require coverage for common newborn screenings, create a new reporting requirement for hospitals and birthing centers, and create a Perinatal and Infant Health Advisory Committee. The second, B23-269, the Health Care Reporting Amendment Act, is summarized here.
In Tuesday's legislative meeting, the Council passed B23-434, the Strengthening Reproductive Health Protections Amendments Act of 2020. The legislation permits physicians who practice reproductive health from being fired or punished by employers for activities unrelated to their employment. In addition, the bill codifies the ability of physicians to work with women to determine their reproductive health options.
MSDC member Dr. Sara Imershein testified on the legislation in its December committee hearing and MSDC submitted a written statement outlining its policy on abortion.
At the same hearing, two other bills of interest to DC physicians cleared the first vote hurdle. B23-416, the BABIES Amendment Act of 2020, would require coverage for common newborn screenings, create a new reporting requirement for hospitals and birthing centers, and create a Perinatal and Infant Health Advisory Committee. The second, B23-269, the Health Care Reporting Amendment Act, is summarized here.