The Trump administration opted to destroy $9.7 million worth of contraceptives, including long-acting methods like IUDs, instead of donating them to women in need abroad, primarily in Africa. A State Department spokesperson confirmed the decision, which will cost US taxpayers $167,000. Congressional aides indicated the contraceptives were stored in a Belgian warehouse and were scheduled for destruction by the end of July. The rationale behind the decision remains unclear, but it has sparked criticism regarding access to reproductive healthcare and the responsible use of taxpayer funds.