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!
16% of Ob/Gyns Have Contemplated or Attempted Suicide
The survey had a sample size of 15,181 licensed physicians in the United States. Participants completed a 10-minute online survey between June 25 and September 19, 2019. The estimated margin of error was +/- 0.80%. For the specific slideshow published, the data extrapolated identified ob/gyns to compare their answers to the physician responses as a whole.
Some of the other worrying statistics include:
- About 25% of ob/gyns said they were very or extremely happy at work, but about 50% said the same about being outside of work.
- Of the reasons cited for burnout, too many bureacratic tasks (57%) and EHRs (36%) were the leading reasons given. Insufficient compensation was a close third (35%).
- The most common approach to battling burnout cited by respondents was isolation from others (50%) and exercise (49%); respondents could select multiple approaches.
- When asked if they aim to seek professional help for depression or burnout, 63% said no and that they have never sought professional help. Over 20% said they were or would seek professional help.
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.
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