Polk County Continues to Fund Emergency Contraception for Victims of Sexual Assault

Polk County Continues to Fund Emergency Contraception for Victims of Sexual Assault

Des Moines, Iowa- On Tuesday, the Polk County Board of Supervisors approved unanimously (5-0) to continue to provide funding and crisis and advocacy services to victims of sexual assault and rape. The measure follows a State of Iowa attempt to remove critical care healthcare services from those who need it most.

The resolution approved by the Polk County Board of Supervisors renews our commitment to Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services. Because of this Board of Supervisors action, victims of sexual assault and rape will be able to maintain counseling and advocacy services including free emergency contraception and in rare, but necessary circumstances, abortion.

Of the resolution passed by the Board of Supervisors, Chair Tom Hockensmith and Supervisor Angela Connolly release the following statement: “We are disappointed that the State Attorney General has discontinued funding for critical sexual assault and rape victim healthcare services. Last year in Polk County alone, we served 270 victims of sexual assault and rape who were victims of sexual assault and rape, and 105 of them were recipients of free emergency contraception at a minimal expense of a few thousand dollars total. But to those women, we hope that they felt supported and cared for in a comprehensive and complete manner that allowed them to begin the process of rebuilding their lives after one of the most traumatic events that a woman can experience. Funding these critical healthcare services is about compassionate and complete care that puts women before partisan politics. Polk County will continue to support funding for emergency contraception and other healthcare services for women who are victims of sexual assault and rape.”