Iowa denies coverage for rape victims' abortion and contraception costs.

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 are on hold as part of a review of victim services. Federal regulations and state law require Iowa to pay many of the expenses for sexual assault victims who seek medical help, such as the costs of forensic exams and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. Victim advocates were caught off guard by the pause, calling it "deplorable and reprehensible."