US Incineration of Contraceptives Denies 1.4M African Women Lifesaving Care

US Contraceptive Destruction Impacts 1.4 Million African Women

An NGO reports that the US government's decision to incinerate $9.7 million worth of contraceptives will deprive 1.4 million African women and girls of essential healthcare.

Projected Consequences

This action is projected to lead to 174,000 unintended pregnancies and 56,000 unsafe abortions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and Mali.

IPPF's Response

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) offered to redistribute the contraceptives, which are not set to expire until 2027-29, but the offer was declined.

Impact on Healthcare

IPPF's Africa regional director called the decision "appalling and extremely wasteful," particularly given the limited access to reproductive care in these countries.

Country-Specific Shortages

The destruction includes over 1 million injectable contraceptives and 365,100 implants destined for Tanzania, impacting nearly a third of the country's annual need. Similar shortages are expected in Mali, Zambia, and Kenya, exacerbating existing challenges in family planning and potentially increasing maternal mortality rates.

US State Department Statement

The US State Department stated the decision was due to restrictions on sending aid to organizations providing abortion services.