Archive · 23 Jul 2025
U.S. to Incinerate Contraceptives Despite Offers to Provide Them
The U.S. government is going to burn almost $10 million worth of birth control supplies in France.
These supplies were supposed to go to other countries to help people plan their families, but they're stuck in a warehouse because of a change in U.S. government rules.
Even though organizations like the UN and MSI Reproductive Choices offered to buy or send the birth control to places where it's needed, the U.S. government said no.
Some people think this decision is about politics and the government's views on abortion.
They also believe the U.S. government wants to prevent any links between their birth control aid and groups that offer abortions.
The supplies will be destroyed even though they could have been used to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
U.S.-funded contraceptives worth nearly $10 million are being sent from Belgium to France for incineration.
The decision follows President Trump's decision to freeze U.S. foreign aid and shut down USAID.
Offers from the UN and family planning organizations to buy or ship the supplies to poor nations were rejected.
The supplies are due to expire between April 2027 and September 2031.
MSI Reproductive Choices and UNFPA both offered to purchase the contraceptives but were declined.
- Who
- The U.S. government is overseeing the destruction of the contraceptives.
- What
- U.S.-funded contraceptives are being sent to France to be destroyed.
- When
- The decision followed Trump's decision to freeze U.S. foreign aid in January.
- Where
- The supplies are being transported from a warehouse in Belgium to France.
- Why
- Due to the Trump administration's stance on abortion and family planning, offers to repurpose the supplies were rejected.
Advocates of Reproductive Rights
U.S. Government
Reasons for Destruction
Advocates of Reproductive Rights
The destruction of the contraceptives is an ideological assault on reproductive rights.
U.S. Government
The U.S. government is upholding the Mexico City policy and ensuring no aid goes to organizations offering abortions.
- Contraceptive Value
- $9.7 million
- Location of Supplies
- Geel, Belgium
- Incineration Cost
- $160,000
- Expiration Dates
- April 2027 - September 2031
- Organizations Involved
- USAID, UNFPA, MSI Reproductive Choices