The Trump administration destroyed millions of dollars’ worth of contraceptives that were meant for people in low-income countries. USAID confirmed the move, which has now sparked widespread outrage among health experts and international organisations.
Contraceptives Bought and Then Burned
Initially, USAID purchased pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and hormonal implants for $9.7 million. The supplies were stored in a Belgian warehouse for distribution to poor nations.
However, earlier this year, the US government ordered the destruction of these supplies. Officials argued that the contraceptives were not “life-saving.” As a result, the administration announced it would stop funding birth control programs in underprivileged countries.
Meanwhile, The New York Times revealed that the Gates Foundation and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation had offered to buy or accept the contraceptives as a donation. If accepted, these offers would have saved taxpayer money.
Nevertheless, the administration rejected all proposals, leading to the eventual incineration of the products.
US Justifies Decision
Later, a State Department spokesperson defended the decision. They claimed the contraceptives were “abortifacients,” or drugs that induce abortion.
The spokesperson stated, “President Trump is committed to protecting the lives of unborn children all around the world. The administration will no longer supply abortifacient birth control under the guise of foreign aid.”
Consequently, the destruction cost the government about $167,000.
Pills Did Not Cause Abortions
However, US law already bans USAID from buying abortion-inducing drugs. Importantly, NYT reviewed the inventory list and found none of the products were abortifacients. Instead, these contraceptives prevented ovulation or fertilisation, meaning they stopped pregnancy before it began.
This revelation raised questions about the administration’s justification for destroying the products.
Health Experts Condemn the Move
As expected, health experts around the world condemned the decision. Beth Schlachter, director of U.S. external relations at MSI Reproductive Choices, called the action “an outrageous act of cruelty.”
She added, “The deliberate destruction of nearly $10 million worth of contraceptives, under the blatantly false pretence that they are abortifacients, is an outrageous act of cruelty.”
Furthermore, Schlachter warned, “This decision will cost lives, derail progress in global health, and strip millions of people of the basic tools they need to plan their families and protect their health.”
Belgium Tried to Intervene
Meanwhile, the Belgian government made several attempts to prevent the destruction. According to a foreign ministry official, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot even wrote to US Senator Marco Rubio in a bid to stop the incineration.
Despite these efforts, the contraceptives were burned at a medical waste facility, leaving Belgian officials deeply frustrated.