France will reimburse reusable menstrual products for women under 26 and low-income earners, aiming to help 6.7 million people combat period poverty.
PARIS: France will reimburse the cost of reusable menstrual cups and underwear for women under 26 and those on low incomes.
The government said the measure aims to tackle period poverty and will help an estimated 6.7 million people from the start of the next academic year.
Women under 26 with state health insurance and low-income women of any age can claim back costs after purchasing the products at a pharmacy.
Parliament had approved the initiative as part of the 2024 social security budget.
Its implementation was delayed due to a missing decree, which had angered feminist groups and manufacturers.
A November survey of 4,000 women found one in ten used alternatives like ripped clothing due to budget constraints.
France previously reduced sales tax on period products from 20% to 5.5% in 2016.
Scotland became the first country to legislate for free universal access to period products in public buildings in 2020.
