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 Approves Gender Equity Compensation Survey, Policy
One year after creating a task force to explore the issue, the MSDC Board of Directors approved a plan to further study gender inequality in physician compensation as well as endorse a series of actions to promote gender equality in DC medicine.
Impact: The Board has focused MSDC work over the next year on educating physicians and health systems on ensuring there is equality in compensation and treatment for all physicians.
Background: The task force's report was one agenda item discussed at the Board of Director's first meeting of 2023. Last year, it created a Gender Equity Task Force with the mission to study what data was known about gender inequality in medicine in DC, and how to address it.
The task force found data from national studies but none specifically for the District.
They recommended the following actions, all of which were adopted:
- Extend the task force for another year to complete its work
- Endorse the AMA's policy on Gender Disparities in Physician Income and Advancement
- Endorse legislation in DC promoting gender equality in medicine
- Create a plan to ensure equitable representation in the Society's volunteer leadership
- Develop gender equity training and add to MSDC website
- Conduct a compensation survey with partners to explore inequality in physician compensation.
What else? Last night the Board also approved hiring Global Navigators to conduct its strategic planning sessions. The Board also approved an updated Investment Policy Statement and heard an update from the Membership Committee on its proposed tiered membership.
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.