Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signs law allowing women to obtain birth control without doctor's prescription

A new Indiana law will allow women to obtain birth control without a prescription from a doctor. The new law comes months after lawmakers enacted a statewide abortion ban.

The new birth control law, which takes effect July 1, will allow pharmacists, not just physicians, to prescribe some hormonal contraceptives such as the patch or the pill. Supporters say the measure will offer women quicker access to contraceptives, especially in areas where they struggle to receive primary care. But opposing lawmakers doubted pharmacists could provide the same level of care as physicians.

The governor's office didn’t release any comment Monday about Holcomb's decision, but when asked Friday about the birth control bill, he said "more access is typically better, in my mind."