Trump administration to destroy nearly $10m in contraceptives
GuardianJUL 17
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The destruction represents necessary fiscal responsibility and adherence to established policy. The Mexico City policy prevents U.S. funds from supporting organizations that provide abortion services, making it impossible to ensure these supplies wouldn't violate that commitment. The government avoided $34.1 million in additional costs by canceling other orders, demonstrating prudent financial management during a comprehensive review of foreign aid programs.
Establishment-critical narrative
This decision constitutes an ideological assault on reproductive rights that wastes taxpayer money while harming vulnerable women worldwide. The administration is spending $167,000 to destroy supplies that could prevent unsafe abortions and maternal deaths in crisis zones, rejecting offers from aid groups to cover all costs. Sub-Saharan Africa already has the highest rates of unsafe abortions globally, and this destruction will worsen the crisis.