US to Destroy $9.7m in Contraceptives, Sparking Fears of Unintended Pregnancies in Africa

The US government’s decision to incinerate over $9.7m (£7.3m) worth of contraceptives could lead to 174,000 unintended pregnancies and 56,000 unsafe abortions in five African countries, according to the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).

More than three quarters of the supplies, including implants, injectables and oral contraceptives, were destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Mali. Many would not expire until 2027–2029. IPPF offered to redistribute the products at no cost, but the US declined, citing laws prohibiting aid to organisations linked to abortion services or advocacy.

IPPF warns that over 1.4 million women and girls will lose access to essential reproductive care. In Tanzania, the loss of over one million injectables and 365,000 implants represents 28% of the country’s annual need. Mali will forfeit nearly a quarter of its contraceptive supply, while Kenya, Zambia, and the DRC also face severe shortages.

Health advocates say the cuts will worsen maternal mortality, especially in countries where unsafe abortions are a leading cause of death. In Kenya, for example, 46% of the national family planning programme’s funding gap remains, and nearly one in five girls aged 15–19 are already pregnant or have given birth.

The US state department confirmed the destruction plan, reportedly involving incineration in France, despite condemnation from rights groups. Critics have called the move “wasteful” and “unjustifiable” amid existing reproductive health crises.