Archive · 23 Jul 2025
U.S. to Incinerate Contraceptives Meant for Poor Nations
The U.S. government is going to burn about $10 million worth of birth control supplies that were supposed to go to poor countries.
These supplies have been stuck in a warehouse in Belgium because of changes in U.S. foreign aid policy.
The U.S. government is paying to send these supplies to France to be burned, even though groups offered to send them to people who need them.
This happened because of the previous President's administration, who also had policies against abortion.
The reason given was an opposition to abortion services.
U.S.-funded contraceptives worth $9.7 million, meant for low-income nations, will be incinerated in France.
The contraceptives, including implants, pills, and intrauterine devices, have been stranded in Belgium since January.
The Trump administration declined offers from NGOs to distribute the contraceptives without USAID branding.
The U.S. government will spend $160,000 to transport and incinerate the supplies, which expire between 2027 and 2031.
Some reports suggest the decision was based on the Mexico City policy.
- Who
- The U.S. government, the Trump administration, NGOs, and UNFPA are involved.
- What
- U.S.-funded contraceptives are to be incinerated.
- When
- The supplies expire between April 2027 and September 2031. The supplies have been stranded since January.
- Where
- The contraceptives are stored in Belgium and will be incinerated in France.
- Why
- The decision is attributed to policy changes, including opposition to abortion services and the Mexico City policy.
Those Favoring Distribution
Those Favoring Incineration
Distribution of Contraceptives
Those Favoring Distribution
MSI Reproductive Choices and UNFPA offered to distribute the contraceptives where they are needed.
Those Favoring Incineration
The U.S. government refused these offers.
- Value of Contraceptives
- $9.7 million
- Location of Supplies
- Belgium
- Destination for Incineration
- France
- Transportation/Incineration Cost
- $160,000
- Expiration Dates
- Between April 2027 and September 2031