The cluster of pneumonia-like illness, initially detected on July 25, has been identified in several zip codes across Harlem.
Day: August 4, 2025
French Greens Urge Macron to Intervene Against Contraceptive Destruction
Marine Tondelier, leader of the French Greens, addressed an open letter to President Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing that France should not be “complicit, even indirectly, of retrograde policies, nor can it tolerate that vital medical resources be destroyed when they could save lives, prevent unwanted pregnancies and contribute to greater autonomy for women,” reports 24brussels.
In response, a French diplomatic official noted that Paris would “continue to monitor the situation” and support Belgium’s efforts to “find a solution to prevent the destruction of contraceptives, so that they can reach the women and men who need them and are waiting for them around the world.”
Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot stated that his government has “initiated diplomatic talks with the U.S. Embassy in Brussels,” and is exploring various options to prevent the destruction of these essential products, including temporary relocation solutions.
A spokesperson from the European Commission confirmed that they have “taken note of [Camara’s] letter and acknowledge the concerns raised.” Furthermore, the spokesperson highlighted that NGOs and international organizations, such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and MSI Reproductive Choices, have offered to retrieve the contraceptives, although no agreement has been reached thus far.
Pressure has intensified over the last two weeks as civil societies and international organizations have condemned the U.S. decision as “unconscionable.”