Campaigners use giant coil to call for better access to contraception for women
A 6m-high inflatable contraceptive coil was placed on Place du Luxembourg in Brussels in front of the European Parliament on Thursday, as part of a demonstration calling for greater access to contraception for women around the world.
The inflatable coil is a symbol of freedom, according to the US NGO Freeda, which organised the event, at a time when women’s rights are under pressure globally. “Contraception gives women the right to make their own choices about their bodies, health and future,” it said.
During the action, campaigners referred to the contraceptives intended for developing countries that are being stored at sites in Belgium and being blocked by the US government.
Condoms, other contraceptives and HIV medicines worth 8.4 million euros are sitting unused in a warehouse in Geel. Their distribution to countries with limited healthcare access has been halted following the dismantling of development agency USAID after president Donald Trump withdrew its funding.
On Wednesday, a response from Flemish Environment minister Jo Brouns to a parliamentary question revealed that contraceptives are being stored not only in Geel but also in Kallo in East Flanders. Only the medicines in Geel are still usable.
The facility in Kallo is not equipped for the storage of medicines, which means that 20 truckloads of medicines and medical devices used as contraceptives for women are not being stored in accordance with regulations. They include contraceptive pills, injections, implant rods and intrauterine devices.
The US government has reportedly ordered the destruction of the contraceptives, viewing some as potential aids to abortion. Belgian diplomatic efforts to release the stock have so far failed.
With its campaign, Freeda is calling on European policymakers to show leadership, by recognising contraceptives as essential medicines, for example.
The inflatable has already been displayed in US cities and Berlin. After Brussels, it will travel to London and Copenhagen. The Belgian campaign was supported by sexual health expertise centre Sensoa, Amnesty Belgium and International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network.
Senseo launches the Belgian chapter of the Freeda campaign against threats to sexual and reproductive rights worldwide, Brussels, 13 November 2025 © BELGA PHOTO HELEEN DE BISSCHOP
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