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In a matter of hours, the Trump Administration will be enacting a cruel and ideologically driven decision to destroy $10 million worth of life-saving contraceptives - resources that were procured by U.S. taxpayer funds to support critical health needs in partner countries across the Global South, including those of 218 million women facing an unmet need for contraceptive care.This is an intentional act of reproductive coercion.Despite multiple offers from international humanitarian organizations, governments and global health actors to purchase or redistribute these supplies, the U.S. government has refused all alternatives. Instead, they are choosing waste and extremist ideology over care, human rights, safety and health. Reports indicate that the cost of destroying these supplies may reach $167.000 paid by American citizens. This decision is not about money: IPPF has offered to collect the products in Brussels, to transport and repack the products in its warehouse in The Netherlands and to distribute the products onwards to women in need across the globe. All at no cost to the US government. This decision is about imposing an anti-rights agenda on the entire world that denies women the choice of when and how many children to have, and denies people the opportunity to protect themselves against HIV and other STIs. “It’s the height of hypocrisy for a government to preach efficiency and cutting waste, only to turn around and recklessly destroy life-saving supplies when the need has never been greater. This isn’t just inefficient — it’s unconscionable.” said Micah Grzywnowicz, Regional Director of IPPF European Network. “This action seriously undermines global public health efforts and limits access to essential care, particularly for communities already facing significant barriers. It reflects a troubling disregard for the rights and well-being of those most in need, as well as complete lack of basic empathy.”The Trump Administration has been relentless in its obsession with controlling women’s bodies - not only in the United States, but globally. This is the latest attack in a long-term campaign to dismantle access to sexual and reproductive health care around the world. According to a survey run by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), these attacks could result in 8.5 million people worldwide being denied lifesaving SRH care.  Now, pallets of contraceptives sit unused in warehouses—including one in Geel, Belgium—awaiting destruction. These are allegedly already scheduled for incineration in France in the coming days.Nico Bogaerts, Director of Sensoa, the Flemish expertise centre on sexual health: "Destroying the USAID supplies stocked in Geel, Belgium is incredibly wasteful. That the US government would prefer to pay to destroy supplies they have already paid for, instead of releasing them to other organizations is cruel. These supplies could save people's lives. We strongly encourage the Belgian and French governments to find a way to save them from incineration and to ensure that they reach people who need them."Sarah Durocher, President of Le Planning familial, IPPF French Member Association: “France has the moral responsibility to act. A government that proudly enshrines abortion rights in its Constitution must also work to protect contraception and the rights of young girls beyond its borders. With its voice respected on the international stage, the French government cannot stay silent while contraceptive supplies are being destroyed and thousands of people are put in danger.”We call on the French company that would be responsible for destroying these contraceptives to reconsider its role. They have an immense moral and societal responsibility. The company has the power to reject this agreement. Sexual and reproductive rights are not a commodity like any other to be discarded.At the same time, we urge the U.S. Administration to immediately halt this senseless destruction. These cruel actions will have far-reaching consequences — and they will cost lives.This moment demands leadership rooted in dignity and humanity. It is only right that everyone can choose whether and when to have children, to be who we are and love who we love, and for our children to be taught about having safe, healthy, and happy relationships. We have the collective moral obligation to work with people around the world to build communities in which everyone can flourish and thrive.   Signatories:Fédération Laïque de Centres de Planning Familial (FLCPF), BelgiumInternational Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF)Le Planning familial, FrancePlanned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA)Sensoa, BelgiumCountdown 2030 EuropeMSI Reproductive Choices Media contacts:IPPF Media, media@ippf.org  Heleen Heysse, International Policy Officer, Sensoaheleen.heysse@sensoa.be Boris Cruyssaert, Communications, Sensoa boris.cruyssaert@sensoa.be  Sarah Durocher, President, Le Planning familialsarah.durocher@planning-familial.org  

12th of March, 2025 – A new project titled “Meeting the Urgent Needs of Marginalised Populations in Crisis-Affected Provinces through Provision of Quality Reproductive and Maternal Child Health Services” has been launched. Funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the Afghan Family Guidance Association (AFGA), an IPPF Member Association, the project aims to improve access to essential reproductive and maternal health services for vulnerable populations in Afghanistan's crisis-affected provinces.  With ongoing challenges from natural disasters, internal displacement, and a fragile healthcare system, comprehensive reproductive and maternal health services in Afghanistan are urgently needed. The project will focus on Logar and Parwan provinces, where communities continue to face significant barriers to accessing vital maternal, newborn, and reproductive healthcare.  This initiative will provide high-quality, clinic-based services, including safe delivery care, prenatal and postnatal services, and psychosocial support services (PSS). In addition to clinical care, the project will focus on community outreach and capacity-building programs, empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.  Key activities and expected outcomes include:  Strengthening 21 health centres in Logar and Parwan provinces to provide essential reproductive and maternal care services. This will benefit over 40,000 people, with an estimated 120,000 health services delivered to the local population.    Comprehensive reproductive and maternal health services including prenatal and postnatal care for over 2,500 pregnant women, ensuring healthy pregnancies and deliveries. Safe deliveries will take place at Family Health Houses, ensuring the health and safety of mothers and babies.    Breast and cervical cancer screening and referrals for over 30,000 women.    Psychosocial support through counselling and mental health services.    Community outreach and education to raise awareness on reproductive health and rights and family planning.   Training local healthcare providers to improve their skills in reproductive healthcare, maternal care, and other essential services - enhancing the overall quality of care provided.  H.E. Mr. KUROMIYA Takayoshi, the Ambassador of Japan to Afghanistan, commented, “In Afghanistan, communities affected by crises need urgent access to essential maternal and reproductive health services. This project reflects Japan’s continued dedication to supporting those most severely affected to ensure leaving no one behind.”  Dr. Abdul Qayum Azeemi of AFGA, said, “The health of women and children in Afghanistan has always been at the heart of our work. This project will not only provide life-saving maternal and reproductive health services, but it will also help strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in the regions most affected by crises. Together with Japan’s support, we can ensure that those facing the greatest challenges have access to the care they need for a healthier future.”  Valerie Dourdin, IPPF Global Humanitarian Director, added, “For years, women and girls in Afghanistan have faced significant barriers to accessing essential health services. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we increase our support. This project will provide life-saving care, offering these communities the health services they so urgently need.”  --- About AFGA  The Afghan Family Guidance Association (AFGA) is an NGO that advocates for reproductive health and rights and provides quality maternal and reproductive health services across Afghanistan. AFGA is committed to empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health, particularly in underserved and vulnerable communities.    About IPPF  The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate for reproductive health and rights. Established in 1952, in India, IPPF operates in over 146 countries through its network of autonomous member associations.   

Haz click aquí para leer este posicionamiento en español. WASHINGTON D.C., United States, 3 February 2025 – The Trump administration is using foreign aid as a deadly political weapon, ILGA World and International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) said today, and millions of people are already in dire straits because of its policies. The executive order implementing a 90-day pause in US foreign development aid is wreaking havoc on the lifesaving work of human rights, civil society, and grassroots organisations —according to ILGA World and IPPF. Sexual and reproductive health services suddenly were forced to suddenly stop or drastically cut operations, including those further impacted by the reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule, leaving millions of people without access to lifesaving care. The funding suspension initially impacted also the over 20 million people living with HIV directly supported through the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Later, however, a life-saving humanitarian assistance waiver” walked back the decision, yet excludes activities related to abortion or family planning, gender or DEI programs, gender-affirming  surgeries, and other activities deemed to be “non-life saving assistance.” IPPF anticipates it will lose US$61 million from cuts due to refusing to sign the Global Gag Rule. Programs affected - mainly in Africa - provide sexual and reproductive health services for millions of women and youth, many of whom will be forced to continue with a pregnancy they did not want or have an unsafe abortion they may not survive. United Nations agencies have begun cutting back their global aid operations as a direct consequence of the 90-day foreign aid suspension. Without guaranteed funding, implementing organisations will have no choice but to lay off thousands of health workers and programme staff. Even if funds are reinstated after the “assessment of consistency with US foreign policy”, the bottoming out of the health sector means there are no guarantees that  organisations will be able to continue serving our communities. “The US, currently the largest provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA), is choosing to leave behind the already most marginalised people across the world, in the name of far-right regressive policies,” said ILGA World and IPPF.  “This is a war on development. People will die because the Trump administration is using life-saving funding as a leverage to advance a hateful  dystopia.  American aid with further conditionality will be unable to reach the most vulnerable populations, undoing decades of progress on health, security and human rights.” “This devastating blow to foreign aid risks worsening humanitarian crises, violence, conflict, and political instability,” ILGA World and IPPF conclude. “This is the opposite of building ‘harmonious and stable relations internal to and among countries’ that the Trump administration claims to seek.” “Now more than ever, we are in solidarity with our global movements. We will continue to fight alongside them. We will not be fearful or silenced; but instead use this moment to galvanise our communities. But we need to be prepared: vital resources and life-saving programmes may not come back — at least not without severe limitations and exclusionary conditions.”  “We call on more States to step in with development aid, listen to the needs and priorities of grassroots communities, and provide them with a lifeline.” Note to editors ILGA World is a worldwide federation of more than 2,000 organisations from over 170 countries and territories campaigning for the human rights of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics. The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. Founded in 1952, it is now a movement of 150 member associations and collaborative partners with a presence in over 146 countries.  For ILGA World: Daniele Paletta (communications manager); media@ilga.org; time zone: UTC+1 For IPPF: Nerida Williams (senior media advisor); newilliams@ippf.org; time zone: UTC+7 Alice Ackermann (communications advisor); AAckermann@ippf.org; time zone: UTC+1

January 21, 2025—The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) strongly condemns the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw financial support from the World Health Organization (WHO). This executive order will have devastating consequences for Americans, global health and the communities we serve. This decision, which gives a one-year notice before taking effect, will severely undermine the WHO’s capacity to carry out its critical mission and will cost lives.  As the largest single contributor to the WHO, the United States provides approximately 18% of the organization’s funding, with the current two-year budget for 2024-2025 set at $6.8 billion. The withdrawal of U.S. funding will create an unprecedented financial shortfall, threatening essential health programs, partnerships and global public health.  Since its establishment in 1948 as part of the United Nations, the WHO has been at the forefront of global health initiatives. From combatting malaria and tuberculosis to improving women’s and children’s health, nutrition, and sanitation, the WHO’s role in coordinating international health policy, prevention and disease eradication is indispensable. Today, it serves as a vital hub for research, technical support, and health trend monitoring, addressing some of the world’s most pressing health challenges, including sexual and reproductive health and rights.  The global maternal mortality ratio has stagnated since 2016 at around 223 maternal deaths per 100 000 live births. Only one WHO region (the South-East Asia Region) has recorded a significant decline in maternal mortality, while all other regions have recorded either a stagnation or an increase. "Defunding the WHO is a direct attack on the health and well-being of millions, especially the most vulnerable,” said Dr Alvaro Bermejo, IPPF’s Director-General. “Donald Trump’s decision to strip the WHO of its funding, before the expansion of the Global Gag Rule, adds further insult to injury. The health community has collectively endured unprecedented attacks against health care workers, patients and clinics, made possible with the previous US administration. Peace is the best medicine; we urge the Trump Administration to reconsider its position. The world needs a thriving WHO. Women, girls and LGBTQ+ people all over the world need a thriving IPPF. IPPF stands in solidarity with Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and with the WHO. We will continue to resist, and we will continue to fight for peace, and for sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice for ALL.”  IPPF calls on the international community to stand in solidarity with the WHO and to work together to mitigate the catastrophic impact of this funding withdrawal. The lives and health of countless individuals are at stake, and we must act urgently to ensure that global health systems remain strong and resilient.  For more information please contact media@ippf.org - +44 7918 845944 About the International Planned Parenthood Federation  IPPF is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. Led by a courageous and determined group of women, IPPF was founded in 1952 at the Third International Planned Parenthood Conference. Today, we are a movement of 158 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners with a presence in over 153 countries.  Our work is wide-ranging, including comprehensive sex education, provision of contraceptive, safe abortion, and maternal care and responding to humanitarian crises. We pride ourselves on being local through our members and global through our network. At the heart of our mission is the provision of – and advocacy in support of – integrated healthcare to anyone who needs it regardless of race, gender, sex, income, and crucially no matter how remote.