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 Concludes Another Successful Council Session
With the conclusion of the 24th DC Council session, MSDC has created a legislative scorecard showing the success of its advocacy agenda these past two years. Similar to the past Council sessions, MSDC saw progress on a wide number of issues.
You can read our scorecard here.
MSDC establishes its advocacy priorities through its Advocacy Committee and Board of Directors. Learn more about how MSDC determines whether a bill receives a "support" or "priority support" ranking here.
The scorecard does not include other advocacy victories outside of legislation that MSDC saw this year. Other areas of success include:
- Being appointed to the Mayor's Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce
- Working with DC Health to establish a temporary medical license process
- Pushing DC Health to negotiate with Maryland and Virginia on regional reciprocity
- Testifying on issues like certificate of need changes and marijuana testing in pregnant patients.
- Testifying at numerous oversight and budget hearings to discuss issues like physician health, support for independent practices, and increased funding from DC government agencies.
The 2023-2024 Council period will be even busier than before, so make your voice heard! Use this link to let us know the issues of interest to you and how you want to get involved.
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.