Centre for Reproductive Health and Education slams U.S. plan to destroy millions in contraceptives amid global need

He added, “The Centre for Reproductive Health and Education is deeply concerned and saddened by this development, where contraceptives worth billions of dollars are being destroyed while low-income countries remain in dire need.”

Mr Mwale said Zambia is already grappling with medicine stockouts, and the latest decision will lead to more women being unable to access essential services, resulting in an increase in unintended pregnancies.

“We have seen the U.S. government withdraw further support for the procurement of drugs, including contraceptives. This will significantly affect women’s choices regarding reproductive health and family planning,” he said.

Mr Mwale further noted that the contraceptives, fully funded by American taxpayers, were meant to support women in some of the world’s most underserved communities.

He said what was even more troubling was the U.S. government’s rejection of offers from partners willing to cover the cost of shipping and distribution.

“Choosing to discard life-saving supplies,and incur additional taxpayer expense to do so,is a deeply concerning reversal of the U.S.’s longstanding commitment to global reproductive health,” he said.

Mr Mwale urged stakeholders to speak out and advocate for the reversal of the decision.

The contraceptives, which have been stored in a warehouse in Geel, Belgium, are mostly long-acting birth control methods such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and injectables. According to reports, most of the products are set to expire in 2028 or 2029, with the earliest expiration date being April 2027.

The Belgian foreign ministry has reportedly engaged in diplomatic talks with the U.S. embassy in a bid to find alternative solutions.

The U.S. State Department has referred to the supplies slated for destruction as “certain abortifacient birth control commodities from terminated Biden-era USAID contracts.”

(Mwebantu, Friday, 1st August, 2025)