Don’t burn care: save contraceptives, save lives
To the European Commission and the French and Belgian governments
Petition
We call on the European Commission, along with the French and Belgian governments, to:
- Launch a joint diplomatic effort to stop the destruction of massive stocks of U.S.-funded contraceptives on EU soil, and help coordinate their delivery to the intended recipients through humanitarian organisations;
- Conduct a legal review to assess whether this destruction is allowed under EU law, especially considering the EU’s commitments to sustainability and gender equality;
- Publicly support humanitarian organisations working to redistribute these contraceptives, in line with the EU’s, France’s and Belgium’s pledges to protect women’s health and rights globally.
Why is this important?
Any day now, nearly $10 million worth of contraceptives like oral pills and implants could be burned in Europe – all because Trump now blocks aid to organisations that protect women’s health and equality. [1]
These US-funded contraceptives, stored in Belgium and scheduled for destruction in France, could prevent unwanted pregnancies, save the lives of women who don’t have access to safe abortion, and support women's choice when and how to have children.
Several global health organisations have offered to collect and distribute this medical aid where they’re needed most. But Trump has slammed the door on every offer. [2]
This is no longer just a US decision. Because the supplies are in Europe, it’s a European responsibility now. Will our leaders let them burn or act to stop this senseless destruction?
The good news: pressure is working.
French and Belgian officials are in talks with the US while French EU lawmakers urge EU intervention. [3] And even the US seems to be backing down – the incineration was due by the end of July, but it hasn’t happened yet. [4]
Outrage from health organisations, politicians, and the media is making leaders think twice. Now it’s our turn to tip the balance.
This isn’t just about contraception. It’s about whether Europe will stand up to Trump’s war on women’s rights, or be complicit.
References:
- https://www.politico.eu/article/france-eu-urged-to-prevent-destruction-of-usaid-contraceptives/
- https://reliefweb.int/report/world/response-us-state-departments-senseless-plan-destroy-supplies-and-deny-contraceptive-care
- https://www.politico.eu/article/france-eu-urged-to-prevent-destruction-of-usaid-contraceptives/.
https://www.euractiv.com/section/health-consumers/news/french-greens-urge-commission-to-stop-destruction-of-usaid-funded-contraceptives/
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250726-french-left-urges-macron-to-act-over-us-plan-to-destroy-contraceptives - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/18/trump-administration-destroy-contraceptives-usaid-africa