Millions in Contraceptives Set to Burn as Aid Cuts Gut Global Women’s Health

The Trump administration has opted to destroy $9.7 million worth of contraceptives (mostly IUDs and implants) rather than send them to women who need them, almost certainly in Africa. The administration cites legal and bureaucratic hurdles as the rationale behind the decision. Critics argue the move, which will cost taxpayers $167,000, is a waste of public funds. MSI Reproductive Choices, a global family planning nonprofit, attempted to purchase the contraceptives. However, the US government requested full price, which the organization could not afford to pay. It is also possible that MSI’s abortion services led the US State Department to rule the organization out as an eligible buyer. Experts say the US government’s decision jeopardizes maternal health worldwide and erases decades of progress in reproductive rights.

The Guardian