Karen Smith, who got uterine cancer from toxic chemicals near Ground Zero, is one of the first women to be certified by the World Trade Center Health Program, which added uterine cancer to the list of illnesses caused by 9/11 in January 2023. Smith is now eligible to seek compensation for her illness through the Victim Compensation Fund. Once certified, individuals are entitled to free healthcare for the illness and can make claims for compensation, lost wages, and past medical expenses. Smith hopes her story brings awareness to other women who may be suffering from a 9/11 related illness.
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.
The Iowa attorney general's office has paused its practice of paying for emergency contraception and abortions for victims of sexual assault, drawing criticism from victim advocates. The payments were previously covered by Iowa's victim compensation fund, but the Republican attorney general has put them on hold as part of a review of victim services. The move has caught victim advocates off guard, with one calling it "deplorable and reprehensible". The fund is required by law to pay for medical exams and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, but makes no mention of contraception or pregnancy risk.
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.
The Iowa Attorney General's Office has paused its long-standing practice of paying for emergency contraception and, in rare cases, abortions for victims of sexual assault. The state's victim compensation fund, which is used to directly compensate victims of crimes, has previously covered the cost of Plan B and similar treatments to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The pause on payments is part of a larger review of victim services by Republican Attorney General Brenna Bird, who defeated Democrat Tom Miller's bid for an 11th term last fall. Victim advocates say they hope the state will eventually resume covering these expenses.
