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!
Physicians Seeing Increased Cancer False Positives Due to Vaccine Side-Effect
People receiving a COVID vaccine are showing enlarged lymph nodes, which may be mistaken for cancerous growth when it is nothing more than a temporary side effect.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology notes that patients with auxiliary adenopathy identified on breast imaging after receiving a COVID vaccine are increasing. This phenomenon has been noted on social media by MSDC member Anjali Malik and others. While swelling is a normal side effect after being vaccinated in general, mammograms and chest scans can show white blobs that are easily confused for cancer.
According to the New York Times, enlarged lymph nodes are not listed as a side effect in FDA documentation for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Moderna study showed 11.6% of patients reported swollen lymph nodes. The Pfizer had a low reported incidence but the Times notes radiologists believes incidents are higher than reported.
The Society of Breast Imaging makes a series of recommendations for helping patients navigate this situation including:
- Physician offices should document patients' vaccine information on an intake form.
- Offices should consider including a warning statement on forms about the impact of the COVID vaccine on the scan.
- Physicians should consider scheduling a second scan 4-12 weeks post-visit.
For patients undergoing cancer treatment in one breast, the CDC recommends receiving the vaccine in the opposite arm or thigh to minimize false diagnosis.
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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