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 + ACLM: A Partnership for Healthier Outcomes
We’re excited to announce a new partnership with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM). ACLM’s mission is to advance evidence-based lifestyle medicine to treat, reverse and prevent chronic disease.
Through this partnership, MSDC members will receive 10% off ACLM’s online CME/CE courses and registration for LM2026 Online, ACLM’s annual conference. This content will equip you with tools that help address common chronic conditions that affect the patients you care for every day.
Even better? When you make a purchase using MSDC’s unique link, a portion of the proceeds comes back to MSDC, helping support the society’s ongoing work to serve physicians, advocate for the profession, and promote access to high-quality care for patients throughout the District of Columbia.
Physicians across all specialties are seeing the growing impact of chronic disease on their patients and communities. This collaboration provides practical, evidence-based education that can help you address the root causes of chronic illness, improve patient outcomes, and support the health and well-being of you and your patients.
Learn more at the MSDC/ACLM page.
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.