To AFP, a spokesperson from the US Department of State confirms that a "preliminary decision has been made to destroy certain contraceptives from completed USAID contracts from the Biden era". The destruction of the products will cost around 1.6 million kronor and is, according to sources for The Guardian, to take place in France at the end of July.
The spokesperson claims that the decision is based on a law that prohibits aid to organizations that perform or promote abortions. They also claim that the products' shelf life is about to expire, something that is contradicted by information to The Guardian which states that the earliest expiration date is 2027.
Criticized decision
The decision has sparked strong criticism. Belgium's Ministry of Foreign Affairs tells AFP that they have initiated diplomatic negotiations with the US and that the government is "exploring all possible avenues to prevent the destruction of these products, including temporary relocation solutions".
Doctors Without Borders calls the decision a "heartless waste" and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) says that the plan is "a deliberate act of reproductive oppression".
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The international organization MSI Reproductive Choices has offered to take care of the products and ensure that they reach those in need, but this has been rejected several times.
IPPF has made a similar offer, but this has also been rejected.
