EU Faces Pressure from Protesters to halt the Incineration of American-owned Birth Control Products
The United States' business decision to dismantle a significant portion of USAID programs shortly after President Trump's inauguration has sparked international concern, particularly in light of the potential impact on contraceptive supplies in developing countries.
One of the most affected nations is Tanzania, where the scrapped programs account for nearly one-third of the country's total annual contraceptive needs. This move could deny more than 1.4 million women and girls access to life-saving care, according to local and international organizations.
The contraceptives, valued at $10 million, are set to be incinerated due to changes in U.S. aid policies and the reinstatement of a U.S. policy that prohibits sending aid to organizations that provide abortion services. However, offers from international organizations, including UNFPA and IPPF, to purchase the contraceptives at no additional cost have been rejected by the U.S. government.
This business decision has led to a growing pressure on the U.S. administration to abandon its plans to destroy the contraceptives. A letter signed by over 70 international organizations urges the administration to "immediately halt plans to destroy these contraceptive supplies."
The European Union has also been called upon to step up and find a solution to save the contraceptive stocks. The European Commission has stated that preventing the destruction of the contraceptives on the territory of a member country is a national competency, but they are ready to explore ways to ensure the supplies reach the intended beneficiaries if a solution is found.
The protest against this business decision was organized by sexual health and reproductive rights NGOs, including IPPF, Sensoa, 11.11.11, and the Fédération Laïque de Centres de Planning Familial. The protesters held banners and signs reading "Reproductive freedom for all," "you have blood on your hands," "700 mothers dead," and "161,000 unplanned births."
The destruction of the stockpile could result in over 360,000 unintended pregnancies, 161,000 unplanned births, 110,000 unsafe abortions, and 718 preventable maternal deaths. Micah Grzywnowicz, regional director of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) European network, called on the EU to stand up for its values and commitments to women's freedom everywhere.
The U.S. government's business decision to destroy the contraceptives would cost U.S. taxpayers approximately $167,000, according to news reports. The protestors argue that the U.S.'s plan to destroy the stocks is a political performance.
As of now, the supplies are still with customs and under review, as confirmed by a spokesperson for Flemish Minister Jo Brouns. Earlier this summer, a group of MEPs wrote to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asking her to intervene in the issue. The fate of these contraceptives remains uncertain, but the international community continues to urge the U.S. administration to reconsider its business decision.
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