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!
New Study: Women Physicians Face Major Hurdles on Pumping at Work
As if being a woman in medicine was not a struggle already, new research shows women in medicine who need to pump breast milk face especially daunting challenges.
A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine looks at the difficulties facing women who pump at work. The study surveyed over 700 physician mothers via the American Medical Women's Association outreach lists and social media. All surveyed women had conceived or adopted their first child after medical school.
Survey results showed alarming statistics:
- 40% of trainees reported difficulties accessing adequate facilities or time for pumping
- 34.5% of trainees and 23.7% of attendings reported experiencing discrimination due to the need to pump
- 72% of respondents rated "protected locations for nursing/pumping breast milk" as extremely important
The authors identified four medical cultures they believe should change (see Tweet thread here):
- Creating an office culture supportive of pumping
- Setting aside protected time for pumping
- Ensuring pumping space is hygienic and near work areas
- Complying with legal requirements and ensuring financial parity
Join the MSDC Women in Medicine Section to discuss this and other realities of being a woman in medicine at our event February 3 to celebrate National Women Physician Day. Learn more and register here.
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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