Payment for Nearly 70 Sexual Assault Survivors’ Emergency Contraception on Hold as Iowa Attorney General Reviews Use of Funds

Des Moines, IA — Payment for emergency contraception for nearly 70 sexual assault survivors has yet to be reimbursed, while one claim for an abortion is also on hold. It’s unclear the timespan for the claims, as Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird’s office has remained tight lipped since recently announcing a review of how Crime Victim Compensation Funds are used.

The claims total more than $3,300, according to publicly released information. Crime Victim Compensation Funds are not funded with taxpayer dollars but, instead, money from criminal penalties and fees. Bird’s office earlier this month announced they would place funds for emergency contraception and abortion for sexual assault survivors on hold while it reviews the policy. It has failed to release any details related to what the review entails or a timeline.

“The fact that nearly 70 sexual assault survivors are waiting in limbo for the paid care they need because of politics is unacceptable,” said Ruth Richardson, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States. “Attorney General Bird and Republicans pushing these dangerous policies to take away Iowans’ bodily autonomy are hurting the most vulnerable Iowans who are bravely coming forward to receive care after being violated in the worst possible ways. It’s unjust and cruel. These survivors should find comfort in having the compassionate, comprehensive care they need.”

Iowa Republicans who control state government have unleashed a storm of harmful attacks this legislative session against the Iowans they serve, taking away their bodily autonomy and right to decide what is best for them, their lives, and their futures.

While Republicans have passed a slew of discriminatory bills against Iowa’s transgender youth that were signed by the Governor behind closed doors, they have also introduced a total abortion ban signed onto by nearly one-third of all House Republicans and another measure outlawing medication abortion, which accounts for nearly 80 percent of all abortions in Iowa. Both bills failed to make it through the first legislative funnel, because Republican leadership said they are awaiting a decision by the Iowa Supreme Court regarding Gov. Kim Reynold’s request to revive a 2018 law that would ban abortion at about six weeks.

Attorney General Brenna Bird, a newly elected Republican, who is a self-proclaimed ardent anti-abortion supporter, joined a multi-state effort to cut off access nationwide to mifepristone, one of the most widely used medication abortion drugs. She and other attorney general also sent letters to at least three national corporations warning them of the legality of policies and practices related to abortion care.

###

Planned Parenthood North Central States and its subsidiary organizations provide, promote, and protect reproductive and sexual health through high quality care, education and advocacy. A member of America’s most trusted reproductive health care provider, our affiliate is proud to support and operate 28 health centers across our five-state region (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota).  Each year, we provide health care to nearly 100,000 people and health education to more than 55,000 people in our region.