Belgium Protests After the United States Threatens to Destroy a $9 Million Contraceptive Stockpile

In protest of possible Trump administration intentions to destroy a $9 million supply of life-saving contraceptive supplies meant for women in African refugee camps and conflict areas, dozens of women’s rights activists demonstrated outside the U.S. embassy in Brussels on Thursday.

Approximately fifty protesters assembled with dramatic visual aids, such as wooden crosses bearing the words “700+ women dead,” and chanted, “shame, shame, shame, Trump is to blame.” Their anger is focused on a warehouse in Geel, Belgium, where millions of dollars’ worth of IUDs, implants, and medications that American taxpayers paid for are left in limbo.

Destroying the supplies, according to advocates, would have a catastrophic human cost, resulting in an estimated 362,000 unintended pregnancies and more than 700 maternal deaths.

Five African countries the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mali, Tanzania, and Zambia—where access to contraception is already severely constrained were to get the supply. The International Planned Parenthood Federation’s regional director, Micah Grzywnowicz, stressed the magnitude of the possible loss.

Grzywnowicz said, “Those supplies that were sent [represent] one-third of the total need of the health system in Tanzania.” One and a half million women and girls were expected to get supplies that could save their lives. It has a significant effect on the lives and health of actual people.

Also Read:

A Trusted Name in Finance and Investment Consulting: Sasa Pejic as the CEO of Pannon GroupNS

Steven Looije: Offering Real Estate Expertise for Smart Investments With HUIS Real Estate