Archive · 29 Jul 2025
US Plan to Destroy Contraceptives Sparks International Condemnation
The US government is planning to get rid of almost $10 million worth of birth control, which is like throwing away medicine that could help people in other countries.
The birth control is stored in Europe, but it's supposed to be burned.
The government says it's because of a rule that stops them from helping groups that provide abortions.
Some groups offered to give the birth control to people who need it, but the government said no.
Many people are upset, saying it's a waste of money and hurts women's health.
The US plans to destroy $9.7 million worth of women's contraceptives stored in Belgium.
The contraceptives were intended for distribution in some of the world's poorest countries.
The State Department says the destruction is due to terminated contracts and the Mexico City Policy.
Organizations offered to buy and redistribute the products, but the offers were rejected.
The move has drawn criticism from aid groups, doctors, and politicians, with some calling it wasteful.
- Who
- The US government, specifically the Trump administration, made the decision.
- What
- The US plans to destroy nearly $10 million of contraception products.
- When
- The decision was made in July, with planned incineration at the end of the month.
- Where
- Contraceptives are stored in Belgium and are set to be incinerated in France.
- Why
- Due to the Mexico City Policy and terminated USAID contracts.
Critics
US Government
Contraception Destruction
Critics
The destruction of contraceptives is wasteful and harms women's health, reproductive rights and access to healthcare in the world's poorest countries.
US Government
The decision is a justified move based on the Mexico City Policy and the end of Biden-era contracts, which helps the US reduce waste and comply with restrictions on aid to organizations providing or promoting abortion.
- Contraceptive Value
- $9.7 million
- Storage Location
- Geel, Belgium
- Intended Recipient Countries
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Destruction Cost
- $167,000
- Expiration Dates
- Between April 2027 and September 2031
- Policy Trigger
- Mexico City Policy