Crime

Outrage Grows as U.S. Set to Destroy $10 Million Worth of Contraceptives

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 29th, 2025.

Outrage Grows as U.S. Set to Destroy $10 Million Worth of Contraceptives

A controversial move by the U.S. government to dispose of nearly $10 million worth of contraceptives has ignited backlash from global health organizations, reproductive rights advocates, and international leaders. Critics say the planned destruction not only undermines women’s healthcare but also highlights the growing influence of ideological politics over humanitarian aid.

What’s Happening?

According to a recent report by The Guardian, the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s renewed administration is set to incinerate approximately $9.7 million worth of long-acting contraceptives—primarily intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants. These supplies, originally destined for low-income nations in sub-Saharan Africa, are currently stored in a warehouse in Geel, Belgium and are scheduled for destruction in France before the end of July.

A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department confirmed to AFP that the contraceptives fall under “terminated Biden-era USAID contracts” and have been deemed subject to disposal. The cost of the destruction process is expected to exceed $167,000. The official also clarified that HIV treatment drugs and condoms are not part of the planned incineration.

What’s Driving the Decision?

The move appears to be linked to the reimplementation of the Mexico City Policy, commonly referred to by critics as the “global gag rule.” First introduced by Ronald Reagan in 1984, the policy prohibits U.S. funding to any foreign NGOs that perform or advocate for abortion services, even if those services are funded independently. Every Republican president since has reinstated the rule, and the Trump administration has brought it back in full force.

Additionally, U.S. lawmakers recently approved significant cuts to foreign aid—approximately $8 billion, much of which was earmarked for USAID programming. Analysts warn that such reductions could have devastating consequences. Research has projected that the cumulative effects of these funding rollbacks may result in up to 14 million preventable deaths by 2030.

The State Department has also suggested that the products in question are nearing their expiration date. However, follow-up investigations indicate that most of the contraceptives remain viable, with expiration dates ranging from 2027 to 2031.

International Pushback and Alternative Proposals

Belgium’s foreign affairs ministry confirmed it is engaging diplomatically with the U.S. embassy in Brussels to try to halt the destruction. Officials say they are exploring temporary storage options and alternative solutions to salvage the products.

Global health organizations have also stepped in with offers. MSI Reproductive Choices proposed to purchase and handle the logistics of redistributing the contraceptives at no cost to the U.S. government. The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) made a similar proposal. Both offers were reportedly declined.

“This is an unconscionable waste of critical healthcare resources,” said Sarah Shaw, Advocacy Director at MSI. “It’s not just wasteful—it’s a politically motivated attack on reproductive rights.”

Political and Public Reaction

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. lawmakers. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) labeled the destruction plan “the definition of waste and abuse,” citing the administration’s claim of fiscal responsibility. Along with Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), she is pushing legislation aimed at preventing further destruction of U.S.-funded medical supplies.

International voices are equally critical. The French Family Planning Association urged the Macron administration to intervene, pointing to France’s recent constitutional protection of abortion rights. Green Party leader Marine Tondelier, along with other political figures, signed an open letter demanding France block the incineration.

“France must not be complicit in rolling back global reproductive rights,” the letter stated. The French presidency has yet to comment publicly on the matter.

Doctors Without Borders also condemned the plan as a “cold and unnecessary waste,” while IPPF characterized it as “an act of reproductive coercion masquerading as policy.”

Broader Implications

This isn’t the first time the administration has faced criticism for wasteful aid decisions. Earlier this month, nearly 500 metric tons of nutrient-rich biscuits meant for malnourished children in Afghanistan and Pakistan were incinerated.

Observers say these actions signal a worrying trend of ideological governance taking precedence over humanitarian need. In regions already struggling with limited access to reproductive healthcare, the consequences could be severe.

As July draws to a close, the clock is ticking. Whether diplomatic efforts succeed or not, the planned destruction of vital contraceptive supplies has reignited global debate over the politicization of foreign aid—and the rights of women to control their reproductive futures.