Indiana Bill Amendment Could Limit Free Contraceptive Options

Source: PHOTO: Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

STATEHOUSE — If passed in its current form, a bill at the Indiana Statehouse could remove condoms and certain contraceptives from a list of approved birth-control options for low-income Hoosiers.

House Bill 1169 was initially intended to expand access to birth control for Hoosiers earning 185% of the federal poverty level or less. These contraceptives would be made available through a statewide program.

But, lawmakers made changes to the bill Tuesday that removed condoms and other options from this possible program, and determined that beneficiaries must be eligible for Medicaid.

Advocates of the changes support solutions like menstrual cycle tracking and better education through health departments. They believe local groups will still find ways to make condoms, and more, available.

But, these changes have actually caused some supporters of the original bill to turn against it, out of concern for women’s healthcare access.