Iowa stops payments for emergency contraception and abortions for sexual assault victims.

The Iowa Attorney General's Office has paused its practice of paying for emergency contraception and, in rare cases, abortions for victims of sexual assault, drawing criticism from victim advocates. The payments are on hold as part of a review of victim services. Iowa is required by federal regulations and state law to pay for many expenses for sexual assault victims who seek medical help. The victim compensation fund previously paid for Plan B and other treatments to prevent pregnancy. Money for the fund comes from fines and penalties paid by convicted criminals.