Iowa AG's office suspends emergency contraception payments for sexual assault victims

Attorney General Brenna Bird’s office said it has suspended payment for emergency contraception for sexual assault victims while they are reviewing state policy.

"While not required by Iowa law, the victim compensation fund has previously paid for Plan B and abortions. As a part of her top-down, bottom-up audit of victim assistance, Attorney General Bird is carefully evaluating whether this is an appropriate use of public funds. Until that review is complete, payment of these pending claims will be delayed," said Alyssa Brouillet, Bird's press secretary, in a statement.

Under Iowa law, the state is required to pay for medical examinations for sexual assault victims.