$10M in contraceptives in limbo as U.S. aid cuts fuel global health fears

Following rumors that the Trump administration planned to burn roughly $10 million in U.S.-funded contraceptives for foreign charity, their destiny is uncertain. This condition worries global health experts, who warn of rising health and economic dangers for low- and middle-income women.

Initial rumors in July suggested the Trump administration would destroy Belgian contraception destined for reproductive health projects abroad. Reports indicated that the products had suffered damage by September. The supplies' destiny was undetermined after the storage facility inspection, as they remained undisturbed.

Before its downsizing and monitoring by Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this year, the U.S. Agency for International Development purchased birth control pills, intrauterine devices, and hormonal implants. Products prevent pregnancy, not terminate it.

Given the rumored destruction plans, many advocacy groups have written an open letter to Rubio urging the administration to protect and distribute the supplies. Several big philanthropic groups have offered to buy the contraceptives directly. “The opportunity to make the right choice still exists,” the letter said.

Advocates warn that supply depletion may cost many lives. Global health statistics show 214 million women want to avoid pregnancy. At least three African nations have exhausted contraception techniques, and several others face shortages.

According to the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition, contraceptive destruction might cause 362,000 unexpected pregnancies, 161,000 unplanned births, 110,000 unsafe abortions, and 718 unnecessary maternal deaths.

Planned Parenthood's senior director of global advocacy, Caitlin Horrigan, stressed that long-term repercussions will go beyond health. The withdrawal of funding might encourage unwanted pregnancies, with girls leaving school and women losing economic prospects, she said, adding that contraception supports many U.S. government goals.

Following over sixty years of U.S. involvement in global reproductive health, the administration has cut funding for family planning programs in poorer nations, leaving the situation unclear. The Guttmacher Institute found that 40% of government family planning financing in 31 developing nations came from the U.S. Health experts have already observed the consequences. The fall in contraceptive supplies in Kenya threatens gender equity and maternal health. “We have worked hard to reduce unplanned pregnancies and keep girls in school for years. Our contraceptive supplies are now critically low in many locations, according to a Nairobi-based development expert.

As indications indicate that some stockpiled contraceptives may soon expire, advocates are intensifying their efforts to persuade the administration to protect the remaining supply.

Horrigan said, “We are collaborating with partners nationwide, within the U.S. Congress, along with global partners, must work to maintain the momentum.

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