U.S. deliberations on sabotaging contraceptives met with French opposition; commitment to blockage unattainable, France declares.
In a move that has sparked widespread criticism and concern, contraceptives purchased by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under former President Joe Biden are currently being destroyed. These contraceptives, intended for women in some of the world's poorest countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, are valued at nearly $10-12 million.
The contraceptives, stored in Europe (specifically in France and Belgium), are reportedly set for incineration rather than being redistributed or sold at reduced cost. This decision stems from the Trump administration's restrictions linked to the Mexico City Policy, which prohibits U.S. government funds from supporting organizations involved in abortion services.
Despite offers from NGOs, including MSI Reproductive Choices, to cover costs for repackaging and shipping to developing countries, the U.S. government rejected these proposals, insisting on selling the supplies at full market value, effectively blocking redistribution. Belgium has engaged in talks with the U.S. to avert destruction, but no agreement was reached.
The destruction of these contraceptives is expected to have significant public health consequences in sub-Saharan Africa, where USAID contraceptive supplies are a major source of birth control. NGOs warn that burning these supplies will likely increase unsafe abortions and unintended pregnancies, with estimates of around 174,000 unintended pregnancies and 56,000 unsafe abortions resulting from this action.
The U.S. decision to destroy contraceptives has provoked an outcry, not only in France but also among women's rights groups. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen described the contraceptive plan as "the epitome of waste, fraud and abuse." Senators Shaheen and Schatz have introduced a bill aiming to prevent further U.S. aid being wasted.
In addition, a study published in The Lancet medical journal estimated that more than 14 million of the world's most vulnerable people could die as a result of USAID cuts. This decision to destroy contraceptives follows the U.S. incineration of nearly 500 metric tons of high-nutrition biscuits meant to keep malnourished children in Afghanistan and Pakistan alive, last month.
It remains unclear where the contraceptives currently are or if they have already been destroyed. The health ministry has no information on this matter, and it seems that there is no legal basis for French or European health authorities to intervene to recover the stockpile.
The French government is under pressure to save the contraceptives due to the U.S. decision being labeled "insane" by women's rights groups. An opinion piece by five NGOs in the French newspaper Le Monde called the U.S. decision "senseless."
As of these recent 2025 reports, there is no reversal of these policies under President Biden. The contraceptives are set for incineration, with the destruction expected to cost $167,000, according to a U.S. State Department spokesperson. The contraceptives were to be incinerated in France at the end of July.
- The destruction of the contraceptives intended for women's health and wellness in sub-Saharan Africa, originally provided by USAID, is causing concern in France, where they are currently stored, as the move is perceived as senseless and problematic for public health in Africa.
- The previously discussed study in The Lancet medical journal also predicts that more than 14 million of the world's most vulnerable people could be at risk due to USAID cuts, including the current incident of destruction of contraceptives, which could lead to increased unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
- Amidst widespread criticism, Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Schatz are introducing a bill aiming to prevent further U.S. aid being wasted, as the destruction of these contraceptives, specifically valued at nearly $10-12 million, is considered the epitome of waste, fraud, and abuse.
