Iowa halts funding for sexual assault victims' reproductive healthcare.

Iowa's Attorney General Brenna Bird has paused funding for emergency contraception and abortions for sexual assault victims, pending a review of victim services. The state's victim compensation fund has previously paid for Plan B and abortions, but Bird is evaluating whether this is an appropriate use of public funds. Victim advocacy groups have criticized the decision, emphasizing that cost should never be a barrier for rape victims seeking medical care. The funds for the program are entirely made up of fines and penalties paid by convicted criminals, rather than general taxpayer money.