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!
Big Picture Thinkers Needed for New Public Health Task Force
Do you spend your spare minutes concerned about the next set of public health issues? Do you worry DC will not be ready for the next pandemic, epidemic, or ignored health crisis? Do you want to speak with key health leaders and help craft a plan to prepare DC medicine for what's coming next? MSDC has a new opportunity for you.
At its September meeting, the MSDC Board of Directors created a new Public Health Task Force. Over the next nine months, this group will think through and share the major public health issues that will shape society in the coming years.
We are seeking a few physician volunteers who can dedicate about 2-3 hours a month on this important effort. More information is below.
What is the PHTF?
The Public Health Task Force (PHTF) was created by the MSDC Board of Directors to look into the future and identify healthcare trends and issues that the Society can begin to address now. Its work includes:
- Interviewing key DC health policy leaders and health influentials.
- Overseeing any public health grants or projects MSDC receives in 2023-2024.
- Analyzing and recommending action based on what it hears in interactions with officials.
What is the time commitment?
The task force will meet no more than once a month, if that, and its work will conclude by June 2024. The first meeting would be in November or December 2023. Task Force members may also participate in interviews and conversations with stakeholders if their schedule permits. Meetings will be done via Microsoft Teams. Projects and tasks will be monitored using project management software like Asana.
Who is on the task force?
The task force will be composed of 7-10 MSDC voting members, with an emphasis on those in primary care, as well as a representative from the District government and non-MSDC member policy experts. MSDC Treasurer Dr. Tu is the Chair.
How do I learn more or agree to join the task force?
Email Robert Hay at hay@msdc.org. We are aiming to have this task force operational by the MSDC annual meeting on October 27.
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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