France Backs Belgium – Joint Effort to Halt U.S. Destruction of Contraceptives

By James Bond

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France Backs Belgium

A stockpile of contraceptives—worth nearly $10 million—is sitting idle in a Belgian warehouse after the US government halted funding for reproductive health projects. Originally purchased by USAID for distribution in low- and middle-income countries, these supplies are now at risk of being incinerated, sparking international outrage and diplomatic concern.

Background

It all started when the Trump administration cut funds to any global health organization linked, even indirectly, to abortion services. As a result, contraceptives like IUDs, implants, and birth control pills were left stranded in Geel, Belgium. They’re part of the USAID supply chain managed by Chemonics, a logistics contractor.

What’s shocking is not just that the products are unused—but that they might be burned in France, a move that could cost American taxpayers an additional $167,000.

Waste

You’d think the logical step would be to donate or redistribute these supplies. Several global health organizations thought the same—and offered to do exactly that. The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), MSI Reproductive Choices, and the UN’s reproductive health agency all raised their hands to help.

They offered to handle everything—pick up, transport, repackage, rebrand—at no cost to the US. MSI even said they’d remove the USAID logo. Their plan? Get the products to countries where they’re desperately needed. According to MSI, this stash alone could cover Senegal’s birth control needs for the next three years.

But their offers were denied. Why? It’s not about cost, legality, or logistics. It’s politics.

Ideology

The US State Department claims that the contraceptives fall under the label “abortifacient”—a term frequently used by anti-abortion groups to describe certain birth control methods like IUDs and hormonal pills. It’s a controversial and misleading term, but it plays into the ideological stance of the current policy.

And so, rather than letting women in underserved regions access vital reproductive healthcare, the US government appears willing to destroy the entire stockpile.

Here’s what’s at stake:

ItemQuantity (Est.)Estimated Value
IUDs, Pills, ImplantsN/A$9.7 million
Disposal Costs (France)N/A$167,000

Resistance

France, where the products may be incinerated, isn’t thrilled. While there’s been no official confirmation of the incineration plan, French officials say they’re closely monitoring the situation and support finding a solution that avoids destruction.

French MPs and feminist leaders have called on President Emmanuel Macron to step in. Their message is simple: don’t let France be complicit in this. A nation that has enshrined the right to abortion in its constitution should also back access to contraception abroad.

Sarah Durocher of France’s Family Planning association put it bluntly: France has a responsibility to act.

Silence

Despite the global pushback, the US has remained firm. Offers to purchase the supplies have been refused. Requests to donate them? Denied. And no clear explanation has been given—other than the ideological alignment of the administration.

To make matters more frustrating, even the waste management company, Veolia, has denied involvement in the disposal process. So not only is the destruction plan expensive and unnecessary, but it’s also shrouded in confusion and lack of transparency.

So where does this leave us? With nearly $10 million worth of life-changing contraceptives locked away, a political standoff is putting real people—especially women in vulnerable communities—at risk.

If governments and institutions don’t step up, this could go down as one of the most senseless acts of waste in global health aid history.

FAQs

Why are the contraceptives in Belgium?

They were stored there by USAID after funding was cut.

Why can’t they be redistributed?

US refused offers due to ideological and political reasons.

What types of contraceptives are affected?

IUDs, implants, and birth control pills.

Who offered to take the supplies?

IPPF, MSI, and the UN’s reproductive health agency.

How much is the stock worth?

It’s valued at around $9.7 million.

James Bond

James Bond brings a wealth of experience to his writing, seamlessly blending in-depth research with clear, engaging content. His articles reflect a broad understanding of various fields, underscoring his commitment to precision and reliability in every piece he produces.

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