Errington celebrates bill providing more contraceptive options for new mothers

INDIANAPOLIS – Today (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.

“Expanding opportunities for more women to access birth control is a huge victory, but most importantly, it is an important step forward for reproductive health care in our state,” State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) said. “This bill empowers women to take control over their own bodies and decide for themselves when, or if, they choose to have a child.

“This legislation would require hospitals to offer the subdermal implant, a long-acting reversible contraceptive, to new mothers. Other forms of contraception, such as IUDs, will still be available upon request from the patient. Doctors are not prohibited from discussing these alternative options with new mothers. The bill ensures that new mothers are given an opportunity to speak with a healthcare professional and determine what choice is best for them.

“The battle for progress is not won overnight. Progressive change comes in small, but not insignificant, inches forward. While I would have liked to see language including IUDs, this bill will still undoubtedly benefit hundreds of Hoosier women, especially those in vulnerable situations. With this push, our legislature has opened the door for further conversations, and further improvements to contraceptive coverage.”