The French government has stated that it is closely observing a US proposal to dispose of millions of dollars' worth of contraceptives stored in Europe, following criticism from French activists, rights organizations, and family planning advocates who condemned the move as an unjustifiable waste and an infringement on women’s rights.
CuriosityNews reported recently that the US administration under Donald Trump intended to destroy $9.7 million worth of contraceptives kept in a warehouse in Belgium, which might be transported to France for incineration. The stock includes long-acting contraceptives, such as intrauterine devices and birth control implants, originally acquired under public health programs overseen by the US Agency for International Development and likely meant for women in Africa.
A US State Department representative told Agence France-Presse that a preliminary decision had been made to dispose of certain contraceptive products linked to discontinued USAID contracts from the Biden era.
The Trump administration dissolved USAID, the country's primary foreign aid division, earlier this year.
The representative clarified that the destruction process would cost $167,000 and confirmed that no HIV medications or condoms would be affected.
Reports indicate that the contraceptives, stored in a warehouse in Geel, Belgium, were set to be incinerated in France, though French authorities have not verified this. France and Belgium face growing calls to prevent the destruction.
The French health ministry released a statement saying, "We are monitoring this situation closely and stand with Belgian authorities in seeking a way to prevent the disposal of these contraceptives."
"Protecting sexual health and reproductive rights remains a key priority in France’s foreign policy."
This week, a coalition of rights groups, feminist organizations, and labor unions in France initiated a petition to halt the destruction. "We refuse to accept this unjust and discriminatory decision—it represents both a financial and humanitarian loss," they stated.
Marine Tondelier, leader of France’s Green Party, endorsed an open letter urging President Emmanuel Macron to intervene. "Our nation must not be involved, even indirectly, in regressive policies," the letter read.
Céline Thiébault-Martinez, a Socialist lawmaker, told France Inter radio that if France did not take a stand, it would "damage its credibility with women."
Sarah Durocher, head of a prominent family planning organization, emphasized, "France has an ethical duty to take action."
Charles Dallara, whose grandfather, politician Lucien Neuwirth, supported the historic 1967 law legalizing oral contraceptives in France, also wrote to Macron, calling on him to "ensure France does not become entangled in this scandal."
The Belgian government confirmed it was in immediate discussions with US authorities but could not confirm whether the contraceptives had already been sent to France.
A spokesperson for Belgium’s foreign affairs department said it had contacted the US embassy in Brussels.
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