Symbolic ‘Raid’ on USAID Stockpile Containing Millions of Blocked Contraceptives 

The United States is threatening to destroy vital supplies; several medical and human rights groups demand immediate intervention from the EU. 

After exhausting all possible legal and diplomatic avenues, several medical and human rights organisations carried out a symbolic action to denounce the U.S. blockade of millions of contraceptives in a warehouse in Geel, Belgium. On World Health Day, they called on the Belgian and French states and the European Union to take urgent action to prevent their destruction and allow their distribution to countries in critical need. 

Twenty-four containers filled with millions of contraceptives (pills, implants, and IUDs), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), have been held for over a year in warehouses in Belgium. This blockage stems from a U.S. decree formalising the dismantling of USAID, thereby preventing the distribution of these medical supplies. Following this, in June 2025, the U.S. administration ordered the destruction of the stock, a decision that is illegal under European law, which applies in Flanders. 

Millions of Lives at Stake 

Despite widespread mobilisation by NGOs, the situation has reached a deadlock. Meanwhile, time is running out: some of these contraceptives are only valid until 2027 and therefore risk becoming unusable very soon; a situation exacerbated by inadequate storage conditions. 

The stock is valued at around £8 million and is intended for 218 million people in African countries where access to healthcare is limited. In conflict zones facing major humanitarian crisis, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, this is a matter of life or death for many women. 

Ending Political Paralysis 

The current political inaction is unacceptable. Six formal notices have been sent to the Belgian government, offers to buy back the stockpiles have been made, and numerous attempts at negotiation have been made with French, Belgian, and American authorities. To break through this political passivity, Amnesty International, Doctors of the World (Médecins du Monde), and Planning Familial have chosen to stage a “raid” this Tuesday, April 7, in front of the warehouse in Geel, Belgium, where four of the affected containers are located. 

With this symbolic, non-violent action, the organisations aim to compel the Belgian and French governments to finally take responsibility for ending this blockade and preventing any illegal destruction of these contraceptives.  

Our Demands 

The coalition demands immediate action from the European Union: 

• Enforce European law within its territory and, consequently, to prevent the execution of destruction orders issued by the American authorities that violate European standards; 

• Establish a diplomatic framework that enables the rapid redistribution of these millions of contraceptives. 

• Promote sexual and reproductive health in European law and policies, and to provide Member States with clear guidance in line with international standards. 

• To all policymakers: In the context of increasing attacks against sexual and reproductive rights, reaffirm their commitment, ensure the necessary funding, and act decisively, including on the international stage, to defend and promote these rights.