A growing outcry erupted in France on Friday over a U.S. plan to destroy nearly $9.7 million worth of contraceptives, originally intended for some of the world’s poorest communities, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
The contraceptives — including long-acting options like IUDs and implants — were purchased by USAID under former President Joe Biden. However, the new administration under Donald Trump, which has significantly cut foreign aid and adopted anti-abortion policies, confirmed plans to destroy the unused and unexpired products. The stockpile has been sitting in a warehouse in Geel, Belgium.
Media reports suggest that the products are being shipped to France to be incinerated by a medical waste company, though this has not been confirmed .
Sarah Durocher, president of French reproductive rights group Family Planning, told AFP that shipments had already begun:
“We were informed 36 hours ago that boxes of contraceptives had started leaving the warehouse. We don’t know their current location or whether they’ve arrived in France.”
She urged French incineration companies to refuse participation, calling the decision “insane.”
Confusion Over Waste Contracts
French waste management firm Veolia confirmed it has a contract with Chemonics, USAID’s logistics provider, but said it only covers expired medical products — which does not apply to this shipment. Another firm, Suez, denied involvement in managing the contraceptives.
The controversy has sparked outrage among French rights groups and politicians. An op-ed in Le Monde, signed by five NGOs including MSI Reproductive Choices, called the destruction plan “absurd” and demanded a moratorium.
Charles Dallara — grandson of the politician who legalized the contraceptive pill in France in 1967 — appeared on French television, urging President Emmanuel Macron to intervene. While Macron has not commented, the French health ministry said it is “closely monitoring the situation.”
A petition launched on Wednesday by feminist organizations and trade unions demanding that the contraceptives be saved has already gathered over 10,000 signatures.