Trump Administration to Destroy $9.7M in Donated Contraceptives Despite Global Pleas
The Trump administration is moving forward with plans to destroy nearly $10 million worth of U.S.-funded contraceptives, sparking backlash from global health organizations, lawmakers, and aid agencies.
Stored in a Belgian warehouse, the stockpile includes more than 50,000 intrauterine devices (IUDs), 2 million injectable doses, 900,000 implants, and over 2 million oral contraceptive packets. The supplies were meant to support reproductive health efforts in developing countries but are now slated for disposal after the administration terminated contracts from the Biden-era USAID family planning program.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed the decision, citing the reinstated Mexico City Policy, which prohibits U.S. aid to groups involved in abortion-related services. The spokesperson, speaking anonymously, said only “abortifacient” products were selected for destruction — though experts argue that none of the listed contraceptives qualify as such, as they work by preventing fertilization.
Belgium, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and several international NGOs have attempted to stop the destruction, offering to purchase or relocate the supplies. According to Belgium’s Foreign Ministry, “all possible options” were explored, including temporary relocation — but none were accepted by the U.S.
Humanitarian advocates warn that the contraceptives could have helped prevent unintended pregnancies for up to 950,000 women. The Guttmacher Institute estimated that they could have provided up to a year of protection for 650,000 women or long-term coverage for hundreds of thousands more.
“It’s a reckless waste of lifesaving resources,” said Micah Grzywnowicz of the International Planned Parenthood Federation. “This shows a complete disregard for women’s health and basic empathy.”
The supplies were procured under USAID’s Global Health Supply Chain Program — a $9.5 billion initiative supporting over 40 countries. USAID says the destruction will cost $167,000, but canceling pending shipments has saved $34.1 million in taxpayer funds.
The timeline for the destruction remains unclear. Previous expired contraceptives were incinerated at facilities in France, though the firm currently contracted, Veolia, said this shipment is not covered under its agreement.
Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the decision. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reconsider. New legislation to halt the disposal has also been introduced in Congress.
Former USAID officials warn this could be the first of many losses as the administration dismantles longstanding global health initiatives. “This isn’t an oversight,” said former inspector general Paul Martin. “This is deliberate waste under the guise of policy.”
The contraceptives, many of which don’t expire until 2027, remain intact in Belgium — but possibly not for long.
