France Says It Cannot Intervene as US Prepares to Destroy $9.7M in Contraceptives Meant for Africa

France has stated it cannot intervene in the planned destruction of nearly $9.7 million worth of contraceptives originally procured by USAID for distribution in some of the world’s poorest countries. 

The stockpile, including long-acting birth control implants and IUDs, remains unexpired and was reportedly set to be incinerated by a private waste management company under a contract with the U.S. government. The products had been stored in Geel, Belgium, and began leaving the warehouse in recent days, according to French women’s rights groups.

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The Biden-era aid was halted under the current U.S. administration, which has reinstated anti-abortion foreign aid restrictions. Offers from global health organizations to buy and distribute the contraceptives at no cost to the U.S. were reportedly rejected. 

France’s health ministry said there was no legal basis for its agencies to seize or repurpose the products, as the contraceptives are not considered therapeutically essential, and the country is not facing a shortage.

Rights advocates have criticized the decision as politically motivated waste, with French organizations and opposition politicians calling for a moratorium. 

A French waste management company linked to the disposal confirmed its involvement only in handling expired medical goods, distancing itself from the current stock. 

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has justified the destruction based on internal policies that limit aid tied to reproductive health services involving abortion.

The incident has drawn comparisons to a separate recent episode in which the U.S. destroyed hundreds of tons of fortified biscuits meant for malnourished children in South Asia. 

That had earlier prompted broader questions about ethics and intent behind the disposal of taxpayer-funded humanitarian supplies.