There will be worldwide outcry as the Trump administration plans to destroy birth control supplies valued at $9.7 million.

More than 50,000 IUDs, almost 900,000 contraceptive implants, 2 million injectable dosages, and more than 2 million packets of oral birth control tablets are all part of the massive hoard, which is presently kept in a warehouse in Belgium. The purpose of these supplies was to assist the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in its efforts to prevent pregnancy in underdeveloped nations.

However, rather than being given to underprivileged women, these contraceptives are now going to be burned, which is expected to cost taxpayers $167,000.

Why Are They Throwing Out These Contraceptives?

The State Department said the decision is related to a review of USAID contracts that were first created during the Biden administration. A "preliminary decision was made to destroy certain abortifacient birth control commodities" associated with these terminated contracts, according to a spokesman. But medical professionals soon noted that the word "abortifacient" is incredibly deceptive in this context.

Abortions are not caused by birth control tablets, IUDs, implants, or injections. They do not interfere with a pregnancy after it has started, nor do they stop ovulation or fertilization. However, some opponents of abortion are adamant about classifying them as such, arguing that they might, in theory, stop an embryo from implanting in the uterine lining a contention that is not backed by mainstream science.

The contraceptives are nevertheless seen as politically radioactive. They are currently being targeted.

A Worldwide Appeal Ignored The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), International Planned Parenthood Federation, and MSI Reproductive Choices were among the organizations that made offers to buy, move, or reuse the goods. In an attempt to find a solution to stop the devastation, the Belgian government even held diplomatic discussions with American representatives. Nevertheless, no solution was approved in spite of these group efforts.

"We looked at every option," stated Laurens Soenen, a spokesman for Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, "but we were unable to secure a viable alternative."

The reaction has continued despite that. According to human rights activists and medical professionals, the supplies, the majority of which will not run out until 2027 or later, could have prevented up to 950,000 unwanted pregnancies for three to ten years.

Micah Grzywnowicz of the International Planned Parenthood Federation remarked, "The callousness is shocking." "To spend millions of dollars on perfectly good, life-saving medical equipment while preaching about government waste and efficiency is the height of hypocrisy."

A Trend in Politics Repetition

Reproductive health has previously been used as a pawn in a political battle. Known as the "global gag rule," the Mexico City Policy prohibits U.S. financing for foreign groups that offer abortion services or even bring up the topic in their counseling. Ronald Reagan introduced it, and every time a different party has taken the White House, it has been repealed and then reintroduced. When he took office, President Trump reignited it, and throughout his second term, he has expanded its scope.

The repercussions are now upending long-standing U.S. international health collaborations.

Lawmakers React

Congress has taken notice of the proposed destruction. In a statement, Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to change his mind. Recently, Shaheen and Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) sponsored legislation that would prevent the contraceptives from being destroyed.

"There is no left-right stance on this," a congressional staffer stated. "Common sense and compassion are key."

Now what?

When and how the supplies will be destroyed is a mystery to everyone. Waste management behemoth Veolia has confirmed previous contracts but disassociated itself from the current stockpile. Previous shipments of expired contraceptives have been burned at high-heat facilities in France.

Two burns are necessary to safely neutralize hormone releases and avoid contaminating the environment while incinerating contraceptives, according to experts who are familiar with such processes.

Unless several facilities are subcontracted to expedite the process, it could take up to six months. Meanwhile, outrage is growing along with the cost of devastation.

An Incalculable Cost to Humankind

The decision is seen by those involved in global reproductive health as a moral failure rather than merely a bureaucratic blunder.

"This is not just about boxes in a warehouse," MSI Reproductive Choices' Sarah Shaw stated. It concerns women who lack access to basic forms of contraception in rural clinics. It concerns adolescent girls who are compelled to become mothers too soon. It has to do with health, dignity, and choice.

The controversy will probably leave a long, smokey trail, even if the supplies are burned.