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 Testify on COVID Response and Insulin Bill
On Wednesday, three MSDC members testified at two different Committee on Health hearings. This continues a year when physicians of all types spoke out regularly before the District government on myriad public health and policy issues.
The first hearing was on the District's response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, with a focus on the DC Health, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, and DC Health Care Finance areas. Testifying first was MSDC Board member Neal Barnard, MD. Dr. Barnard focused on the need for education and public messaging on lifestyle and underlying health conditions. Common medical ailments can compound complications to COVID-19 in many cases.
"The virus is here," Barnard said. "Diabetes, hypertension, and obesity make it a killer. We cannot simply leave our population vulnerable."
Also testifying was former MSDC Board member and ACP-DC governor Alice Fuisz, MD. Dr. Fuisz provided perspective on the ongoing challenges faced by private, small, and independent practices. While patient volume is slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels, many practices (including hers) are struggling with the financial burdens of keeping a practice open and operating. Many practices are relying on televisits to see patients who will not or cannot come into a physical visit, and Fuisz noted that reimbursement parity makes these visits viable. Once that parity disappears, many practices will face financial shortfalls. New office cleaning requirements, PPE needs, and staffing needs also contribute to higher costs. Fuisz urged the Council to consider types of grants or incentives to keep practices afloat and patients out of hospitals.
The second hearing featured testimony from Dr. Sahil Angelo from MedStar Health. He relayed his experience working with patients with diabetes for B23-920, the Insulin Affordability Amendment Act. The bill would cap the price of insulin for patients. Dr. Angelo spoke about his patients who struggled to afford insulin, a drug with a rapidly increasing price tag. He shared DC Health statistics on the large number of people who self-report issues affording insulin and its impact on public health.
If you want to be involved in MSDC's advocacy efforts or testify before the Council on an issue, contact Robert Hay Jr. at hay[at]msdc.org or
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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