Fleming retires from serving House District 71

Today (May 13), State Rep. Rita Fleming (D-Jeffersonville) announced her intention to retire from serving as the state representative for House District 71 effective immediately.  

During her six-year tenure in the Indiana House of Representatives, Fleming authored and passed laws to end the practice of shackling pregnant inmates while giving birth and expand same-day birth control access for postpartum mothers on Medicaid. Fleming served as a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, House Public Health Committee, Indiana Commission to Combat Substance Use Disorder and Medicaid Advisory Committee. She led House Democrats’ efforts on insurance policy as the ranking Democrat for the House Insurance Committee.  

“I have 15 grandchildren, and they and the rest of my family are my priority,” Fleming said. “Legislative sessions are long up at the Statehouse in Indianapolis and it takes a lot of work to properly represent House District 71. It’s time for me to retire from my post as state representative and focus on my family. 

“I have certainly enjoyed my time at the Statehouse working on behalf of my constituents and all Hoosiers. I am honored that the people in my district have voted me into office three times. I feel I’ve accomplished some things for moms, babies and overall better public health. I’ve worked to be bipartisan and benefit my district and generally improve life for the people of Indiana. I’ve made friends on both sides of the aisle and consider myself a better and more informed person for that. It’s been an honor being a state representative. 

“This summer, I look forward to spending time with my grandchildren, growing an excellent vegetable garden and volunteering my time helping third graders learn to read. Thank you, Clarksville, Jeffersonville and New Albany, for placing your trust in me.”  

“During her time at the House, Rep. Rita Fleming led with a spirit of bipartisanship and pragmatism that served District 71 and all Hoosiers incredibly well,” Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) said. “Much of her authored and co-authored laws all have one unifying principle in common: making pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood healthier and more dignified for Hoosier women. As a retired physician with decades of experience under her belt, Rita’s empathy, care and firsthand insights helped her improve Indiana’s public health and healthcare policy.   

“House Democrats will miss Dr. Fleming’s presence dearly. Rita left Indiana better for her service and contributions. She moved the needle in a tangible, critical way. And that is something to be proud of.”   

House District 71 constituents in need of assistance should continue to reach out to [email protected] for help.