Trump administration to burn $10M in taxpayer-funded birth control intended for international aid

Nearly $10 million worth of contraceptives purchased by USAID are set to be destroyed by the Trump administration, igniting controversy and concerns over wasted taxpayer funds and global women’s health.

In a move that critics say is a blatant waste of taxpayer funds, nearly 5 million units of U.S.-funded contraceptives are set to be burned under orders from former President Donald Trump’s administration. The contraceptives, valued at approximately $9.7 million, were initially meant for distribution through international reproductive health programs.

The decision follows the July closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. All future foreign aid has since been centralized within the State Department and aligned with Trump administration policies, leading to the termination of thousands of international health and humanitarian programs.

The contraceptives, including IUDs, implants, injectables, and hormone-based pills, are currently stockpiled in a warehouse in Geel, Belgium. CNN reports that many items would remain safe and effective until at least 2031, and most have expiration dates no earlier than 2027. Yet, the State Department has labeled them “abortifacient birth control commodities”—a claim disputed by the medical community.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) emphasized clearly, “Contraceptives prevent pregnancy—they do not end pregnancies.”

Offers from aid groups rejected

Organizations like MSI Reproductive Choices have volunteered to assume all costs associated with redistributing these supplies. Despite this, the Trump administration rejected their offers without providing specific reasons.

Grace Dunne, spokeswoman for MSI, told CNN, “It became clear in conversations that [our offer] wouldn’t be accepted, and our efforts would be better spent finding alternative solutions to the contraception gap.”

The Belgian government is engaged in diplomatic talks with the U.S. embassy, urgently seeking an alternative solution to destruction. The contraceptives must undergo a costly double incineration due to their hormonal content, adding another $167,000 in taxpayer expenses and raising environmental concerns.

A congressional aide described the process as “literally burning taxpayer money,” highlighting unnecessary ecological and economic burdens.

Women facing the consequences abroad

Sarah Shaw, an advocacy director for MSI, warned of severe health impacts globally, particularly in countries like Senegal.

“The annual contraceptive bill for Senegal is just $3 million. The contraceptives being destroyed could have supplied the entire country’s needs for three years,” Shaw explained. “Now we will see shortages, unsafe abortions, and girls forced to leave school.”

Diplomatic and health officials worldwide have voiced opposition to the decision. A diplomatic source affirmed their commitment to preventing the destruction, emphasizing the issue as “a matter of human rights and public health.”

Despite global criticism, the Trump administration remains committed to the destruction timeline, with disposal scheduled to conclude by the end of July.

In 2023 alone, the U.S. allocated $68 billion from a total federal budget of $6.75 trillion to international assistance. Yet, this decision to destroy millions of dollars worth of usable contraceptives has provoked public outrage, questioning priorities and fiscal responsibility.

As contraceptives burn, concerns rise about fiscal accountability, women’s health, and the global impact of policy decisions.