Mike Braun Wants to Regulate Women’s Bodies Despite Knowing Nothing About Maternal and Infant Health

At a recent visit to Woodlawn Health in Rochester, IN, Mike Braun made it clear he doesn’t know the first thing about what pregnant Hoosiers go through. The Pharos-Tribune reported Braun’s ignorance of basic facts about pregnancy and maternal care.

He questioned the medical policy behind transferring mothers who reach labor at fewer than 36 weeks to a better equipped hospital in South Bend, and was ignorant of the “ideal” time frame to carry to term — which doctors told Braun is 40 weeks.

It’s clear that Braun doesn’t know the first thing about being pregnant or maternal medicine. That’s why he has no problem supporting Indiana’s extreme abortion ban,allowing the government in your exam room, or Todd Rokita into Hoosiers’ medical records.

From the Pharos Tribune:

“Is that just a hard, fast rule if it’s 35 weeks or younger?” asked Braun.

“The reason for that is Indiana has what is called perinatal levels of care,” McKinney added. “So, hospitals have to apply for which level they are going to be. We’re the lowest level. We’re level one. So, we have to partner with a larger hospital—someone who is a level 3 and they are called a tertiary center.”

“In some instances would it really be professionally required to make the transfer?” asked Braun. “It seems like there would be a little bit of a gray area in terms of a rule that you have to adhere to.” 

“We pretty much do,” answered McKinney. “It’s a policy here at the hospital.”  

“But do you think most babies that you actually get are arriving pre-36 weeks and always actually need it?” the senator asked.

“I think so, according to our doctors,” McKinney said. “They are the ones who make the decision to transfer, the doctors. I think if they thought we could take care of this here we would because we have fabulous doctors.” 

“What’s the ideal term?” asked Braun. “If 36 is preferred…”  

“Forty is full-term,” McKinney said.  “Forty is full-term?” Braun confirmed.  McKinney said yes. [Pharos-Tribune, Mike Braun talks childbirth during Woodlawn Health tour, 10/11/2024].

This is the latest example of how there’s only one choice in this election for governor who will support women’s right to make medical decisions in consultation with their healthcare providers and has firsthand experience dealing with pregnancy: Jennifer McCormick.

As the only candidate in the governor’s race who has been pregnant and is a mother, McCormick trusts healthcare providers and women and will work diligently to target maternal health deserts in our state, as well as improve outcomes for newborns and their mothers.