Trump Administration to Burn $10M Worth of Unused Birth Control Instead of Donating It

In a decision that has shocked aid organizations and public health advocates, the Trump administration is preparing to incinerate nearly $10 million worth of unused contraceptives—products originally purchased with taxpayer dollars for global reproductive health initiatives.

The birth control supplies, which include intrauterine devices (IUDs), hormone-based implants, injectables, and pills, were funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and are currently being stored in a warehouse in Geel, Belgium. Despite having shelf lives extending into 2027 and even 2031, the products are scheduled for destruction rather than distribution.

USAID Shut Down, Foreign Aid Shifted

The decision comes in the wake of major structural changes to U.S. foreign aid. Earlier this summer, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that USAID would be permanently dissolved, with its operations absorbed by the State Department. Oversight of international assistance programs now falls under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency that has already dismantled numerous aid projects focused on healthcare, food security, and disaster relief.

Caught in the bureaucratic crossfire is a $9.7 million stockpile of contraceptives—many of which bear the USAID logo—now set to be incinerated rather than delivered to communities in need.

Medical Experts Denounce Mischaracterization

Despite the supplies being intended for international family planning programs, the Trump administration has reclassified them as “abortifacient commodities.” This framing has drawn sharp criticism from the medical community, which insists that contraceptives prevent pregnancy and do not terminate it.

“These are not abortion drugs,” stated the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in a statement to CNN. “Contraceptives like IUDs are designed to stop pregnancy from occurring—not to end one.”

Offers to Redistribute Denied

Organizations like MSI Reproductive Choices, a global nonprofit operating in over 35 countries, had offered to handle the redistribution of the supplies at no cost to the U.S. government. Their proposal included covering all logistics and ensuring that the contraceptives reached women in need. Despite these efforts, the administration declined the offer without explanation.

“We were told that it wouldn’t be considered,” said Grace Dunne, a spokesperson for MSI. “We were advised to focus our attention elsewhere.”

Real-World Impact: “Women Will Die”

Critics argue that this is less about saving money and more about pushing a particular agenda. MSI’s Sarah Shaw told The Independent that the move could have life-threatening consequences.

“In Senegal, the entire country’s contraceptive budget is $3 million annually,” she explained. “This warehouse could have supported their needs for three years. Instead, we’re facing shortages that will lead to more unsafe abortions and force girls to abandon their education.”

The Belgian government is actively seeking alternatives to prevent the destruction, engaging in talks with U.S. officials. However, the plan remains in motion, with the incineration process reportedly beginning by the end of July.

Expensive and Environmentally Risky Disposal

Adding to the controversy is the disposal method itself. Due to the high hormonal content of the contraceptives, they require a two-stage incineration process to minimize environmental risks—further inflating the cost to taxpayers. This step alone adds an estimated $167,000 to the overall bill.

“They’re spending more just to destroy these products than it would cost to ship them to where they’re needed,” a congressional aide told CNN. “It’s a complete waste of resources and taxpayer funds.”

A Costly Ideological Statement?

In 2023, the U.S. allocated $68 billion to foreign aid out of a federal budget of $6.75 trillion. Yet instead of redirecting viable medical supplies to willing recipients, the current administration appears determined to eliminate them altogether.

“The U.S. government is setting fire to public money,” said one official familiar with the plan. “And in doing so, it’s also endangering lives.”

As French and Belgian officials continue to voice concern, calling for a humanitarian solution, the clock is ticking.