EU Faces Demand from Protesters to Halts Incineration of American-Owned Birth Control Products
In a controversial move, the US government has ordered the destruction of $10 million worth of contraceptives stored in Belgium, a decision that could potentially deny life-saving care to over 1.4 million women and girls worldwide.
The contraceptives, located in warehouses in Geel and Kallo, are set to be incinerated due to the reinstatement of a US policy that prohibits sending aid to organizations that provide abortion services. This policy has sparked widespread outrage and calls for intervention from local and international organizations, as well as EU officials.
The destruction of these contraceptives would not only be a significant financial loss, costing US taxpayers approximately $167,000, according to news reports, but it could also lead to devastating consequences for public health. The destruction could result in over 360,000 unintended pregnancies, 161,000 unplanned births, 110,000 unsafe abortions, and 718 preventable maternal deaths.
Several international organizations, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the IPPF, have offered to purchase the contraceptives at no additional costs for the US. However, no such exemption from the incineration ban has been requested or granted to date.
Under Flemish legislation, medicines or medical supplies that are still in good condition may not be incinerated. The local government says it's doing everything it can to find a diplomatic solution, but no EU organizations have been reported as having engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent the destruction.
Calls for the EU to get involved have been mounting for weeks, with a group of MEPs writing to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asking her to intervene. Last week, over 70 international organizations sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the administration to halt plans to destroy these contraceptives.
The Women's rights protestors have demanded the EU to explore all legal and diplomatic avenues to prevent America from incinerating the contraceptives. About 77 percent of the products were earmarked for five African countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and Mali.
Last Friday, over 70 people, including representatives from sexual health and reproductive rights NGOs IPPF, Sensoa, 11.11.11, and the Fédération Laïque de Centres de Planning Familial, rallied in front of the U.S. embassy in Brussels, urging EU institutions to step in and stop the incineration.
The European Commission has stated that only Belgium can intervene in the destruction of medicines on its territory. However, the Commission spokesperson stated that they are ready to explore ways to ensure the supplies reach the intended beneficiaries if a solution is found.
As the situation continues to unfold, the US government is coming under growing pressure to abandon its plans to destroy the contraceptives. The fate of these life-saving supplies hangs in the balance, and the world watches as the EU considers its role in this critical matter.
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