Parents of children harmed by pesticides confront EU lawmakers over proposed deregulation, demanding stricter protections and health-focused policies.
Parents demand stricter pesticide rules
On October 19, parents of children affected by pesticide exposure gathered in Strasbourg to present a joint statement to the European Parliament. They focused on the "Omnibus" legislative package, which could weaken pesticide regulations, and shared personal stories of how exposure has impacted their families.Testimonies highlight health risks
Sabine Grataloup, mother of Théo, whose son was born with serious malformations linked to glyphosate exposure during pregnancy, spoke about the difficulty of compiling over 1,000 pages of scientific evidence. Franck Rinchet-Girollet, whose son Elliot was diagnosed with bone cancer at two years old, said he could not promise his child such experiences would not happen again and vowed not to stay silent.Proposed changes raise concerns
The "Omnibus" legislative package, under review by the European Commission, includes proposals to allow unlimited pesticide authorization periods, easier drone spraying, and simplified extensions for hazardous substances. Critics argue these changes could weaken Europe’s regulatory framework and harm public health.Alternative solutions proposed
In response, a coalition has proposed the "Green Ordinances," which includes health professional prescriptions, awareness workshops on chemical exposure, and organic food baskets tailored to beneficiaries’ resources. Martin Rieussec-Fournier and Dr. Alexandre Feltz stressed that preventing children’s exposure at birth must be a top priority in Europe.Broader movement for change
The mobilization is part of a larger campaign, including the "Odyssey for Our Health," a 1,200-kilometer cycling event starting in Gouzeaucourt on October 10. The event will cross five countries before reaching Geneva on October 29, with the European Parliament conference being one of fifteen stages focused on prevention and victims’ rights.Scientific backing and policy demands
The movement is supported by scientific studies such as the 2021 Inserm research on pesticides, the Géocap-Agri study on pediatric cancers, and a 2025 report from Santé publique France on cancer trends among adolescents and young adults. The coalition calls for a transformation of agricultural and food policies, including phasing out pesticides and increasing organic food availability in schools and public markets.
