Millions in U.S.-Funded Contraceptives Spoiled After Aid Shutdown, Memo Shows

Millions of dollars’ worth of U.S.-funded contraceptives intended for low-income countries have become unusable after being stranded in Belgium following the shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development, according to a newly obtained internal memo.

The memo, dated September 15, 2025, indicates that approximately $9.7 million in contraceptives purchased by U.S.A.I.D. were left in storage after the agency was dismantled. Of that total, only $1.6 million remained viable as of September, while roughly $8.1 million had spoiled, largely due to improper transportation and storage conditions, including a lack of refrigeration.

The document was obtained by The New York Times and verified by two government officials who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Supplies Deteriorated During Transport and Storage

According to the memo, large portions of the contraceptive stock were moved between warehouses in Belgium without temperature control and stored in facilities not designed for medical supplies. These conditions rendered much of the inventory unusable.

Even the portion that remained viable last fall may no longer be usable, as some items were already nearing expiration at the time.

The supplies had originally been intended for distribution in low-income countries, particularly in Africa, where U.S.-funded programs historically provided a significant share of contraceptive access.

Disposal Plans Stalled Amid Political Concerns

The memo outlines several options considered by U.S. officials for handling the remaining stock, including destruction, sale, or donation to humanitarian organizations such as Doctors Without Borders.

However, internal discussions reflected concern over political and media scrutiny. The memo notes that transferring the supplies could “carry the potential for additional media attention,” contributing to delays in decision-making.

Earlier in 2025, the State Department had approved a plan to incinerate the contraceptives, estimating disposal costs at about $170,000. Some shipments—approximately 20 truckloads—were transported to a burn site in Kallo, Belgium. During this process, the supplies were again handled without refrigeration and stored in non-medical facilities, further contributing to their deterioration.

The destruction plan was ultimately halted in early August.

Legal and Diplomatic Obstacles Complicated Resolution

Efforts to dispose of the contraceptives have also been complicated by Belgian regulations. Authorities in the Flemish region informed U.S. officials that usable medical supplies could not be incinerated, effectively blocking one proposed solution.

Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations expressed interest in distributing the remaining viable stock. Doctors Without Borders contacted the U.S. government’s contractor to offer assistance, but no agreement has been finalized.

The U.S. government has continued to pay for storage of both usable and spoiled supplies for more than a year.

Broader Impact on Global Health Access

Prior to the agency’s shutdown, the United States funded roughly 40 percent of contraceptives used in low-income countries and played a major role in developing long-acting family planning methods.

A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health projected that cuts to U.S.-supported contraceptive programs could leave up to 100 million people across 41 countries without access to contraception over the next five years.

European officials and U.S. lawmakers have criticized the situation. Barry Andrews, chair of the European Parliament’s International Development Committee, described the outcome as “crazy,” while Senator Jeanne Shaheen called it “unconscionable and wasteful” to allow taxpayer-funded supplies to expire instead of reaching those in need.

Uncertain Path Forward

As of now, the fate of the remaining contraceptives remains unresolved. Doctors Without Borders has reiterated its willingness to distribute the supplies if an agreement can be reached between governments.

But after months of delay, much of the stock has already been lost—highlighting the ongoing consequences of the abrupt dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. and the challenges of managing its aftermath.