Indiana Rep. Rita Fleming announced Monday that she is retiring, citing a desire to spend more time with her family.
The Democrat from Jeffersonville in southern Indiana was first elected to the state House in 2018. Fleming’s statement said she will resign from her seat effective immediately.
“I have 15 grandchildren and they and the rest of my family are my top priority,” Fleming said in a statement. “The state Capitol in Indianapolis has been in session for a long time, and it will take a lot of work to properly represent House District 71.”
Spartz, Indiana defeats primary Republican challenger to retain House seat
Fleming was facing a rematch in the general election against Republican Scott Hawkins, whom he narrowly defeated by about a point in 2022. The caucus plans to choose her replacement on the November ballot.
Fleming was a minority member of the Health Committee and served on the Natural Resources Committee and the Public Health Committee.
INDIANAPOLIS – JULY 16: George Washington statue outside the Indiana State Capitol in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 16, 2015. (Photo by Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
Fleming, a former obstetrician-gynecologist, is known for authoring and supporting reproductive health care legislation, including a 2022 law that bans the shackling of prisoners during labor and delivery.
This year, she authored a bill that would require hospitals to provide birth control to postpartum Medicaid patients. Democrats were divided over the issue after the committee removed the option to offer intrauterine devices, or IUDs.
The final bill, signed by Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, requires hospitals to offer patients the option of contraception with a subcutaneous contraceptive arm implant after giving birth.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“As a retired physician with decades of experience, Rita’s empathy, consideration, and first-hand insight will help improve public health and health care policy in Indiana,” House Democratic Leader state Rep. Phil Giaquinta said in a statement. ” he said.
