Trump Administration to Burn $10 Million Worth of Taxpayer-Funded Birth Control Originally Intended for Global Aid
In a move that has sparked widespread outrage, the Trump administration is preparing to destroy nearly $10 million in taxpayer-funded contraceptives—medical supplies that were originally designated for international health programs serving vulnerable women and families across the globe.
The contraceptives, purchased by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), are now slated for incineration instead of distribution, despite active offers from global health organizations to accept and deliver them free of charge.
Supplies Headed for the Flames
Currently housed in a warehouse in Geel, Belgium, the stockpile includes millions of contraceptive units such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), hormonal implants, injectables, and birth control pills. Many of these supplies are labeled with USAID branding and remain viable for years—some until 2031, according to reports by CNN.
Despite their long shelf life and clear usefulness, the supplies are scheduled to be destroyed by the end of July. The U.S. State Department has labeled the products “abortifacient birth control commodities,” even though major medical associations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have refuted that claim, emphasizing that contraceptives prevent pregnancy and do not induce abortion.
“This is not only a waste of medical resources—it’s a mischaracterization of science,” a reproductive health advocate stated. “Labeling birth control as abortion is simply misinformation.”
Restructuring U.S. Foreign Aid
The destruction follows the Trump administration’s controversial overhaul of international assistance programs. Earlier this summer, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the complete shutdown of USAID, declaring that all future foreign aid will now be handled directly through the State Department. The shift is being executed by the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has already terminated thousands of aid initiatives, many focused on health, food security, and humanitarian relief.
One of the casualties of this restructuring is the nearly $10 million worth of birth control, which was intended to support reproductive health initiatives in dozens of countries.
Offers to Save the Supplies Rejected
Health organizations around the world have criticized the decision, especially since several—including MSI Reproductive Choices—offered to distribute the supplies at no cost to the U.S. government. MSI, which operates in 36 countries, volunteered to cover all transportation and handling expenses. Their offer was ignored.
“We were never given a real reason,” said Grace Dunne, an MSI spokesperson. “It became clear that our help wouldn’t be accepted, and we were advised to look elsewhere to fill the contraception gap now emerging in many countries.”
Sarah Shaw, MSI’s Associate Director of Advocacy, told The Independent that the administration’s choice isn’t about fiscal responsibility. “This isn’t about saving money—it’s about enforcing a dangerous ideology. Just the contents of that warehouse could have met Senegal’s national birth control needs for three full years. Now, women will suffer. Girls will leave school. And more will die from unsafe abortions.”
International Outcry
The Belgian government is currently in talks with the U.S. embassy, trying to halt the destruction and find a more humane solution. French officials, meanwhile, stated they have no knowledge of a formal request for disposal in their country, leading to further confusion over where the incineration will take place.
“We support efforts by Belgian authorities to stop this destruction,” said a European diplomatic source. “This is a matter of public health and human rights. These supplies could save lives.”
Environmental and Financial Concerns Mount
Adding to the controversy, it has been revealed that the U.S. is paying an additional $167,000 to incinerate the contraceptives—on top of the original $9.7 million purchase cost. Due to the hormonal content of the items, a double incineration process is required to prevent environmental contamination. This process inflates disposal costs and has raised new questions about the environmental consequences of destroying medical goods.
A congressional aide criticized the move bluntly: “This is what it looks like when ideology overrules logic. They’re quite literally burning taxpayer money—and paying more to do it.”
Despite the U.S. spending $68 billion on foreign aid in 2023 out of a total federal budget of $6.75 trillion, the Trump administration has chosen to make a statement with this decision—prioritizing destruction over redistribution, even when free alternatives were readily available.
What do you think about this decision to burn birth control paid for by your tax dollars instead of donating it to those in need? Let us know in the comments and share this story to help spread awareness.