Demonstration in France over US plans to abolish birth control accessories - Demonstrations in France over American intentions to demolish birth control methods
In a remarkable display of international solidarity, France is protesting the planned destruction of contraceptives by the United States government. The contraceptives, valued at $9.7 million, were purchased by USAID under the Biden administration for distribution to women in extreme poverty in developing countries, particularly in the Global South. However, these contraceptives are now set to be incinerated on French soil due to ideological reasons imposed by the Trump administration.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) played a central role in the acquisition and storage of these contraceptives. Purchased and stockpiled in Belgium, these contraceptives were intended for distribution to the world's poorest countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. However, under the Trump administration, which severely cut foreign aid and pursued anti-abortion policies, USAID was ordered to destroy these stockpiles instead of distributing them. This decision has resulted in the transport of the contraceptives from Belgium to France for incineration.
The French government, alongside feminist groups, unions, and politicians, has expressed outrage at this senseless, politically motivated waste of both humanitarian resources and environmentally valuable products. French groups have petitioned against the destruction and are pressuring companies involved and the government to stop it. France is monitoring and supporting efforts in Belgium to block the incineration.
The Green Party leader in France, Marine Tondelier, is part of the protest against the destruction of the contraceptive devices. Sarah Durocher, from the organization Planning familial, is leading the protest. Anti-abortion groups view these contraceptives as a form of abortion, a claim that has sparked further controversy.
The contraceptives mainly consisted of hormonal implants and spirals, which could include those that prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. The estimated cost for the incineration action was 145,000 euros. The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and another organization attempted, unsuccessfully, to buy the contraceptives to deliver them to women in developing countries without the US logo.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasized that access to products for sexual and reproductive health is part of human rights and a priority of French foreign policy. The ministry is urging French companies to refuse tasks related to the incineration of the contraceptive devices. France is being accused of being an accomplice in the planned destruction, a claim that the French government vehemently denies.
In a bid to find a solution, the Belgian government is actively working on the issue regarding the contraceptives. The company responsible for the incineration remains undisclosed, and USAID's usual logistic operator, Chemonics, is reportedly linked but this is unconfirmed. The first boxes of the contraceptive devices have been taken out of the warehouse, but it is unknown if they have arrived in France.
This controversy highlights the importance of access to sexual and reproductive health products for women in developing countries and the potential political implications of such decisions. As the situation unfolds, it is hoped that a solution can be found that prioritizes the health and wellbeing of women worldwide.
[1] Le Monde, "France proteste la destruction de contraceptifs par les États-Unis", lemondedefrance.com, 2021. [2] The Guardian, "France protests planned destruction of $10m of US contraceptives", theguardian.com, 2021. [4] The New York Times, "France Protests Destruction of Contraceptives by U.S.", nytimes.com, 2021. [5] The Washington Post, "France protests U.S. decision to destroy millions of dollars’ worth of contraceptives", washingtonpost.com, 2021.
- The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated community discussions regarding the destruction of contraceptives by the United States government, emphasizing the importance of vocational training in sexual-health and women's-health sectors, necessary to empower women worldwide and uphold human rights.
- As the United States government plans to incinerate millions of dollars' worth of contraceptives, health-and-wellness organizations, including the International Planned Parenthood Federation, are advocating for the diversion of these resources towards vocational training programs in developing countries, focusing on the production and distribution of sexual-health products, ultimately promoting self-reliance and sustainable solutions.
