A stockpile of contraceptives worth approximately $9.7 million, stored in Belgium, has not been destroyed, despite reports suggesting otherwise, with inspections confirming the stock remains intact.

The US government claimed the contraceptives were destroyed to prevent support for reproductive practices classified as abortion, but the stock primarily includes non-abortifacient birth control methods, and no permits for incineration have been granted.

Belgian authorities and international organizations have actively opposed the destruction, with inspections showing no shipments have been sent for incineration, and the stock remains under Belgian law that prohibits such disposal without exemptions.

Recent inspections confirmed that no part of the contraceptive stock had been removed for incineration, and no derogation for disposal has been approved.

The contraceptives are stored in accordance with regulations, and current rules prohibit burning reusable goods without special exemptions, which have not been requested or granted.

The US claimed the move was to protect unborn children and prevent abortifacients, but inventory lists confirm none of the stored products are abortifacients.

The contraceptives include hormonal implants and other non-abortifacient methods, and staff clarified to officials that these do not induce abortion.

The planned destruction has raised concerns about access to reproductive health for over 1.4 million women and girls in Africa, with critics condemning the decision as wasteful and harmful.

Despite offers from international organizations to buy or accept donations of the contraceptives at no cost, the US government has proceeded with the destruction, incurring costs estimated at around $167,000.

A USAID spokeswoman confirmed the contraceptives had been destroyed and falsely claimed they were abortifacients, which are prohibited under US law, though the products involved are not.

Belgian authorities and health organizations have called for measures to prevent the destruction, emphasizing the importance of these contraceptives for health services.

The US policy shift includes restrictions on aid related to abortion and reproductive health, with a significant reduction in international aid and the dismantling of programs supporting family planning.