The Mission and History of the Seattle Gynecologic Society
Since 1941, the Seattle Gynecologic Society (SGS) has worked to establish itself as a forum for members of both private and university communities to gather and share both scientific information and to discuss the challenges and joys of OB/GYN practice in all its various forms.
Supporting the continual professional development of its members, The SGS is dedicated to providing ongoing continuing medical education for obstetricians, gynecologists, family practitioners, nurse practitioners, and other health care providers who work in women’s health. For over 70 years, SGS has been contributing to the success of its members.
Does Covid-19 cause Infertility? No!
Please read the links below that will share the data compiled from ACOG from actual studies that were administered. Help us to educate physicians and patients.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666334121000684
https://www.asrm.org/covid-update-16
Legislative Session and Agenda for ACOG 2022
The 2022 Legislative session commenced on Monday, January 10th and given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 session looks much like that of 2021 – a virtual session with a limited number of lawmakers on site at the Capitol and committee hearings being fully remote.
Members were sworn in on Monday and on Tuesday, Governor Inslee delivered his State of the State address. Given that it is a short 60-day session, legislators began holding hearings on the very first day. Under consideration this session, are both bills that were held over from 2021 as well as many newly introduced bills. Before adjourning on March 10th, legislators will also need to pass a two-year supplemental state budget.
Curious how to engage in the 2022 virtual session? Learn more about how to access the legislature remotely here. And as a reminder, ACOG Legislative Advocacy Day is just around the corner – on January 26th. Join us for a day of learning, engagement and advocacy!
Updates on ACOG’s 2022 Legislative Priorities
Increasing Access to immediate Postpartum Care – HB 1651, sponsored by Rep Thai, will ensure that new parents can gain access to immediate postpartum contraception by requiring private commercial plans to pay for IPPC as separate from the maternity payment bundle. As a best practice, ACOG recommends the provision of IPPC before the patient is discharged after giving birth to increase healthy birth spacing and to cut down on the risk of the patient not returning for the postpartum follow up. This bill will allow providers to support their patients by reducing the barriers to costly devices.
The bill had a hearing on Thursday January 13th and Dr Kate McLean testified in strong support of the bill. It is scheduled for executive action on January 19th.
Insurance Coverage for Infertility – HB 1730, sponsored by Rep Stonier and its companion SB 5647, sponsored by Senator Robinson, would require health insurance plans in WA state to include coverage for the diagnosis and treatment for infertility, as well as standard fertility preservation services for cancer patients and others at risk for medically induced infertility. Even though effective and well-established medical treatments for many forms of infertility exist, these services are out of reach for many in WA state due to out-of-pocket costs. In states without a mandate, like WA state, the right to build a family in the face of infertility is a function of economic status, reserved only for those who can afford it.
The bill has not yet been scheduled for public hearing.
Affirm WA Access to Abortion Act – HB 1851 sponsored by Rep Thai, will ensure that qualified licensed health care providers can include abortion services in their practice. This legislation comes at a critical juncture when threats to abortion are intensifying across the country. Thirteen other states already recognize that certain advanced practice clinicians can safely and effectively provide abortion, and providers have already been doing so in Washington under the guidance of two Attorney General Opinions. Passing this legislation would remove legal ambiguity and ensure that providers are not unnecessarily prohibited from offering abortion care when it is within their existing scope of practice. The bill will also modernize the statute’s language to be gender neutral and inclusive.
HB 1851 is scheduled for public hearing on January 20th and Dr. Jennifer Chin will be testifying on behalf of ACOG.
