In a development that has drawn international attention, nearly $10 million worth of contraceptives—originally funded through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)—are scheduled for disposal rather than being delivered to global health programs.
The supplies, which include long-acting birth control methods such as IUDs, implants, and hormone-based pills, are currently stockpiled in a warehouse in Geel, Belgium. Many of the products remain viable for years, with expiration dates ranging as far as 2031, according to CNN.
The decision to dispose of the contraceptives follows recent restructuring of U.S. foreign aid distribution. Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that foreign assistance would now be managed directly by the State Department. This shift came alongside the closure of USAID as part of broader administrative changes implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency.
Among the affected programs are reproductive health initiatives that previously relied on supplies like those stored in Belgium. The contraceptives were initially procured under previous health contracts, which have since been discontinued.
Some organizations, including MSI Reproductive Choices, expressed willingness to take ownership of the supplies and distribute them at no cost to U.S. taxpayers. However, those offers were not accepted. “We were not given a reason,” said Grace Dunne, a spokesperson for MSI. “It became clear that our efforts would be better spent identifying new solutions to fill the emerging supply gaps.”
Health advocates have raised concerns about the impact of this decision, particularly in lower-income countries where access to contraceptive options is already limited. For example, experts noted that the total value of the unused supplies could have covered several years of contraceptive needs in countries like Senegal.
The U.S. government has stated that disposal of the medical products is necessary due to policy changes and the need to comply with revised program guidelines. Due to the high hormonal content of the contraceptives, additional precautions—such as double incineration—are required for environmental safety, with an estimated cost of $167,000 funded through the federal budget.
The Belgian government is reportedly in discussions with U.S. officials in hopes of finding alternative solutions that would prevent the destruction of the supplies. French authorities have also indicated they have not received official information about any waste transfers within their jurisdiction.
A diplomatic source emphasized the importance of ensuring access to reproductive health services and supplies worldwide: “We support efforts to prevent the destruction of these products, so that they may be used to meet real health needs around the world.”
In 2023, the U.S. spent approximately $68 billion on international assistance as part of a $6.75 trillion federal budget. The current development reflects ongoing changes in how such aid is allocated and administered.
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