Iowa will no longer provide emergency contraceptive care to sexual assault victims.
It has been officially announced that the Iowa Attorney General's Office has ceased funding emergency contraception and abortion for victims of sexual assault for the time being while it is under review.
The decision has sparked widespread outrage among advocates, who say it will make it more difficult for survivors to access critical medical care.
Background of the Policy Change
On Saturday, it was made public that Brenna Bird, a Republican Attorney General who was elected last autumn, had opted to temporarily halt the funding.
According to the Insider, Bird's press secretary, Alyssa Brouillet, said in a statement that, while not required by Iowa law, the victim compensation fund has previously paid for Plan B and abortions.
Attorney General Bird is currently conducting a comprehensive audit of victim assistance from top to bottom, evaluating whether public funds are being appropriately used. Until this review is complete, the payment of pending claims will be postponed. State law mandates Iowa to only cover the expenses for forensic exams and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.
According to the annual report by Iowa's Victim Assistance, the state's Sexual Abuse Examination Payment Program of 1979 ensures that victims of sexual assault are not accountable for the expenses incurred for a sexual abuse forensic examination or medications necessary due to the assault.
While not explicitly required, it has been the long-standing policy of the state to provide coverage for emergency contraception under the victim compensation fund.
Sandi Tibbetts Murphy, the former director of the victim assistance division, stated that the victim compensation fund had also provided coverage for abortion expenses for rape victims on rare occasions.
Reactions From Advocates
The move has prompted a swift and fierce response from advocates for sexual assault survivors.
CNN reported that the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault said in a statement that victims of rape and child abuse have an acute need for timely access to health services, including contraception to prevent unintended pregnancy and abortion care.
The coalition is urging the Iowa Attorney General to continue providing funding for emergency contraception and abortions for sexual assault victims, emphasizing that cost should not prevent rape victims from receiving the medical care they need.
The coalition also pointed out that using victim compensation funds to cover the expenses of forensic exams can encourage victims to undergo such exams, which could help prevent future victimization and improve access to medical care for crime victims.
Meanwhile, as per the Des Moines Register, Ruth Richardson, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, strongly criticized Attorney General Bird's decision, describing it as a disturbing reflection of politicians' ongoing efforts to undermine Iowans' health and rights.
Impact on sexual assault survivors
The new policy will have a significant impact on sexual assault survivors in Iowa.
Emergency contraception is a time-sensitive medication that can prevent pregnancy if taken within a few days of unprotected sex. Without access to this medication, survivors may be at risk of an unintended pregnancy.
Abortion services are also crucial for survivors who become pregnant as a result of sexual assault.
Many survivors choose to have an abortion to avoid the emotional and physical trauma of carrying a pregnancy to term. Without access to safe and legal abortion services, survivors may resort to unsafe methods to terminate a pregnancy, which can have serious health consequences.
