STATEHOUSE (April 18, 2023) – Pharmacists throughout Indiana could soon be allowed to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptives as legislation authored by State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) heads to the governor's desk for consideration as a new law.
Currently, Indiana law only allows primary physicians to prescribe hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills, skin patches, IUDs and rings. If signed into law, Rowray's legislation would allow pharmacists to also prescribe birth control as long as the woman is 18 years or older and completes a self-screening. She said this bill is an important step to support the health of women, especially those without a primary care doctor in their community, or who are unable to afford transportation to a different city or county.
"This is a commonsense approach to supporting women in their family planning and helping prevent unintended pregnancies," Rowray said. "Pharmacists are highly trained and licensed, and there are thousands of pharmacies located throughout the state. With this legislation, Hoosier women will be able to more easily access safe birth control options."
Rowray said her bill would also allow pharmacists to be reimbursed after prescribing birth control to Medicaid recipients, ensuring low-income Hoosiers are not left behind. Women who receive prescriptions from a pharmacist would be required to consult with a physician within 12 months to ensure medical issues don't arise.
The legislation continues to allow pharmacists to object to prescribing contraceptives based on ethical, moral or religious grounds. If signed into law, Indiana would join nearly half the states in the country that allow pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives.
To follow this and other legislation considered for new laws by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2023-bill-watch/.
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State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
