ICRW’s Statement on the Destruction of Contraceptives by the U.S.

Access to contraception is a critical component of basic health care. That’s why we’re raising the alarm on the U.S. State Department decision to destroy nearly $10 million in contraceptive products already purchased by U.S. taxpayers. We oppose this action and applaud bipartisan efforts to reverse this decision. 

Support for reproductive health has long been part of an integrated U.S. foreign policy and international development strategy–one that saves lives and advances human dignity.

The products slated for distribution would, in part, have benefited women and girls fleeing conflict or unable to afford care. Instead, it is reported that the Trump Administration will spend approximately $167,000 to incinerate them, after rejecting offers from the United Nations and family planning organizations to deliver them to developing countries.

The financial costs are only part of the story. The greater cost is in lives. The Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition estimates the supplies slated for destruction would likely prevent 362,000 unintended pregnancies, 110,000 unsafe abortions, and 718 maternal deaths. When women have access to modern contraception, maternal and newborn deaths plummet. Children are healthier and more likely to stay in school. Families can invest in their futures. 

The planned incineration of $10 million worth of current supplies isn’t just about taking away the products. It’s also taking away people’s ability to make decisions about their health and their lives. Marie Stopes International believes at least 10 countries, including Tanzania, Mali, Timor Leste, Ethiopia, and Senegal, may be out of stock of at least one contraceptive or on the brink within the next month. This loss of choice will have lasting impacts on women’s and children’s health, educational access, and economic opportunity. 

The U.S. has other options. Many organizations and governments have offered to purchase some of these supplies and distribute them. Thus far, the U.S. State Department has rejected these offers, but they may be wavering. Petition campaigns, such as the one our friends at Global Citizen have launched, are an important part of what’s needed. Continuing to engage U.S. Congressional representatives is also important. 

And we must not cease to watchdog these actions. In partnership with organizations around the world that have painstakingly worked to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights, we’ll continue our longstanding research on access to reproductive care. We’ll engage like-minded governments that care about protecting the lives and well-being of women and children. And we’ll spotlight cost-effective reproductive care policy that provides lifelong returns on investment.

The burning of contraceptive products may have been intended by some politicians as a metaphor, but it’s a metaphor that backfires. The State Department’s plans for reorganizing foreign assistance and explicitly excluding support for maternal and child health are a dumpster fire. Reproductive health advocates have worked for decades to advance sensible public policy that protects women’s health and lives. Let’s fight fire with facts.