Assault victims deserve better from Bird

Shame on Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird’s decision to stop payment for emergency contraception and abortion for survivors of sexual assault. This move will further harm survivors who already face impossible barriers.

As someone who has directly worked with survivors of sexual violence, I have seen first hand the challenges many face accessing reproductive health care after an assault, with cost being one of the main reasons for not accessing care. Iowa’s crime victim compensation program, which is funded entirely from the fines and penalties paid by convicted criminals, not tax dollars, is a glimmer of hope for those who have to make the decision between receiving life saving health care after a traumatic event or being able to pay this month’s rent.

Attorney General Bird prides herself on protecting victims of crime in our state. However, her actions are not lining up with her words. I have listened to countless survivors share their stories with me, whether it was at a police station, courtroom, or hospital room. I can honestly say survivors of sexual violence are some of the bravest people I have ever met. They do not deserve any further harm, especially at the hands of an elected official. Instead of taking away crime victim’s rights this Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Brenna Bird should be working to improve the services available to victims of this harrowing crime.

Abby Michael

Robins