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April 7 2026: NASPAG continues to advocate for the distribution of the remaining contraceptive stockpiles, currently in Belgium. We urge the US government to stop using taxpayer dollars to block the distribution of these devices. We applaud the Belgian government for enforcing local law and prohibiting the destruction of active medication
October 27, 2025 NASPAG Advocacy Statement on Planned Destruction of Contraceptive Stockpiles The North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (NASPAG) is committed to supporting evidence-based, unbiased reproductive care for youth. We are deeply concerned by reports of plans to destroy United States tax dollar–funded stockpiles of contraceptive pills, implants, injections, intrauterine devices, and condoms, which are currently being held in storage in Belgium and in the United Arab Emirates1. While official reporting remains unclear on whether some of these supplies have already been destroyed, their potential loss would represent a significant setback for global health. NASPAG strongly advocates for the distribution of these invaluable supplies for patient use as soon as possible. Originally slated for use by vulnerable populations in lower-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, the stockpiles have an estimated value of $12 million.¹ The potential economic impact is substantial. Approximately 10 million unintended pregnancies occur annually in Sub-Saharan Africa, with associated costs of at least $1.7 billion per year.² Contraceptives, recognized as essential medications by the World Health Organization, are not abortifacients; they work by preventing pregnancy before fertilization, thereby preventing unintended pregnancies and as such, reducing the need for abortions.³ The benefits of contraceptives extend beyond pregnancy prevention. Hormonal contraceptives are evidence-based therapies for heavy menstrual bleeding, severe period pain, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and premenstrual mood disorders.4 They are used for treatment and risk-reduction of certain gynecologic cancers. Condoms further strengthen public health and decrease healthcare costs by preventing transmission of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, HPV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, among other infections. The economic burden of sexually transmitted infections in Africa alone was estimated at $960 million in 2021.⁵ Although destruction has been presented as a fiscally prudent cost-cutting measure, it would incur an estimated additional cost of $167,0001, in addition to the value of the supplies themselves. There are compelling practical alternatives, such as sale to willing non-governmental organizations, that would prevent wasteful destruction and mitigate the devastating downstream effects on global health. As such, NASPAG urges the preservation and immediate distribution of these vital medical stockpiles. These supplies can contribute to billions of dollars in healthcare cost savings. Access to contraception promotes health equity, education, and self-determination for young people globally – outcomes that benefit communities for generations. How can you help:
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