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 Discusses Engagement in an Era of BA.2
At its April Board meeting, the MSDC Board focused on public health and Society health at its second meeting of the year.
MSDC Chair J. Desiree Pineda, MD, invited MSDC members who joined since January 1 to attend the meeting, which was held both at MSDC headquarters and online. The members who were able to attend shared why they joined and participated in the discussions during the meeting.
The agenda began with a presentation from DC Health Community Health Administration (CHA). Participants learned about current COVID infection and vaccination rates in DC, and how CHA is planning to increase the rate of boosters in the District, especially in the 65 years and old demographic. The Board discussed how the physician community can assist with these efforts.
E.W. Emanuel, MD, presented an update on the Membership Committee's work to create a new membership model. He shared that the committee had gathered demographic and behavioral data on members, but there are still major gaps the Society is aiming to resolve. The Board discussed how members become engaged with the Society and how MSDC can use these avenues to increase membership and participation. The committee will be coming forward with more recommendations at the June Board meeting.
In addition to these items, the Board discussed:
- The upcoming AMA 2022 Annual House of Delegates meeting
- MSDC's advocacy agenda, especially prior authorization reform
- The Healthy Physician Foundation
- and more
The next Board meeting is June 27, 2022. Members in good standing can request an invitation by contacting Robert Hay Jr.
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.