MSI offered to distribute $9.7m of US taxpayer-bought contraception. They’re burning it instead.
Why is the US government burning contraception?
In a shocking decision that will rob women of their reproductive choices, the US government has decided not to distribute $9.7 worth of contraception – already paid for by the American taxpayer – that was meant for global charities to distribute to women internationally.
When MSI learned of this plan, we told them we could distribute the products at no charge to the American taypayer. We said we’d pay the import fees, handle the logistics and make sure these supplies were placed in the hands of women who need them. Other NGOs made similar offers.
We were all told no. Instead, the US government are expected to spend an estimated $167,000 to burn them.
Why did the US government have these contraceptives in the first place?
Earlier this year, the government dismantled USAID, abruptly ending life-saving care and upending health systems across the world.
So already, women in many places are struggling to access contraception, facing pregnancies they don’t want or risking their lives with unsafe methods of abortion.
USAID already had these contraceptives to provide to other countries, but since USAID has been dismantled, the contraceptives have been sitting in a warehouse in Belgium.
Now, the US State Department has ordered the contraceptives to be transported to France and destroyed.
“It’s a completely political act, and African women are going to pay the price. If the government really wanted efficiency, family planning is the best investment you can make for health and development.”
Sarah Shaw, MSI’s Associate Director Advocacy
What can we do to stop these contraceptives being destroyed?
Raise awareness
You can raise awareness of the planned destruction of this contraception by sharing on your social media:
Sign a petition
Petitions are calling on governments to halt the destruction of this $9.7m worth of contraception. Sign your name to call for immediate action:
Donate
Support global reproductive healthcare organisations like MSI to protect access to contraception. Your gift will:
- Help us keep reproductive health services open for women and girls who need them
- Ensure we can respond immediately when contraceptive supplies run low
- Support campaigns for sexual and reproductive rights around the world
