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 Board of Directors Discusses Equitable Pay in Medicine, Unconscious Bias
The MSDC Board of Directors held wide-ranging discussing on major equity issues in medicine at its first Board meeting of 2021.
The Board welcomed new member Matthew Lecuyer, MD, an emergency pediatric medicine physician at Children's National Hospital. Dr. Lecuyer is an alternate delegate for the MSDC American Medical Association delegation and join EW Emanuel, MD as one of MSDC's two new alternates.
The Board heard a presentation by the American Medical Women's Association on "Addressing Gender Based Pay Disparities in the Medical Community". DC native Medha Reddy, a first year medical student and AMWA volunteer, discussed how MSDC could be involved in the movement for equitable pay in the medical community. The Board engaged in the discussion and asked Ms. Reddy to work with the Women in Medicine Section to plan next steps and recommendations on this ask.
The Board also heard updates on two of its major initiatives. Unconscious Bias in DC Medicine Task Force Chair Dr. Lecuyer shared the executive summary of the Task Force's paper and walked through high-level analysis of their data [n.b. receive a summary at the March 10 webinar on the task force's work]. Dr. Emanuel also shared analysis of the Membership Task Force's survey data and implications for a potential new membership model.
The Board also took the following actions, among others:
- Renamed the PLAN Committee as the Advocacy Committee
- Adopted the Investment Policy Statement for 2021
- Approved the Awards Committee's recommendation for 2020 MSDC award winners
- Approved the creation of an Industry Committee
The next MSDC Board meeting is April 19, 2021.
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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