Campbell celebrates bill to expand birth control access for postpartum mothers

Yesterday, March 6, the Indiana House of Representatives concurred with changes made by the Senate on House Bill 1426, sending it to the governor’s desk. Authored by State Rep. Rita Fleming (D-Jeffersonville), HB 1426 increases the availability of long-acting reversible contraceptives, specifically the subdermal implant, for postpartum Medicaid recipients.

Instead of waiting until the six-week check-up, doctors are required to have a conversation with postpartum women about whether they’d like the subdermal implant prior to hospital discharge. HB 1426 does not restrict access to other forms of birth control, and doctors are not restricted from discussing birth control beyond the implant – it's simply the starting point for a discussion about the patient's options.

State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) released the following statement:

“I think that House Bill 1426 is a positive step forward for our Hoosier mothers and their babies. This bill is about being proactive and improving our maternal health outcomes. Indiana is the third highest in the nation for maternal mortality. We have a lack of access to obstetric care, and our state has enacted an abortion ban. Expanding access to long-acting reversible contraceptives, specifically the implant, is a way we can provide our Hoosier women with more options. It's a small way for Hoosier women to have better control over their bodies and family planning.

“This bill was specifically designed to help our mothers who are facing difficult circumstances. Sometimes when you’re in crisis – whether it's substance use disorder, homelessness or any other personal hardship – it can be difficult to focus on your health. We want women to return for postpartum care, but the reality is that a significant amount of Hoosier women don’t return. This bill ensures that birth control is discussed after labor before hospital discharge. The discussion isn’t limited solely to the subdermal implant. It’s a way for doctors to get their foot in the door and provide women with more information. Progress is made inch by inch, and I think this bill is the start of a vital discussion surrounding birth control access.”