Women's Health

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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!

 

 

Council Advances Protections for Sunscreen, Physicians Practicing Reproductive Medicine

Feb 4, 2020, 15:33 PM by MSDC staff
MSDC welcomed positive developments at the Wilson Building, as the Council passed legislation permitting sunscreen application in schools plus advanced a bill to protect reproductive health practitioners.
On February 4, the District Council took major steps towards passage of two bills supported by MSDC. By unanimous consent, the passed B23-467, The Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act of 2019. The bill contained language allowing students at DCPS to bring and administer sunscreen at school without a prescription. MSDC has supported this language for years as an obvious public health benefit to children.

In addition, the Strengthening Reproductive Health Protections Amendment Act of 2020 received a first reading at the Council on Tuesday. The bill would, among others things, permit physicians to practice reproductive medicine outside of employment without fear of discrimination from their employer as well as uphold the importance of the physician/patient relationship in reproductive medicine. At a rally prior to the bill's vote, MSDC member Sara Imershein as well as AMSA President Isaiah Cochran, MD, spoke in praise of the legislation. 
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Sample of Legislation MSDC Followed in Women's Health and Maternal Health

(See the whole list of bills here)

Postpartum Coverage Act of 2019 (B23-326)

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.

Strengthening Reproductive Health Protections Act (B23-434)

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.

Maternal Health Care Improvement and Expansion Act (B23-362)

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.