France Makes Reusable Period Products Free for Young Women
The French government has announced that its social security system will reimburse the cost of reusable menstrual products, such as cups and underwear, for specific groups starting in the autumn. This initiative targets women under the age of 26 holding a state health insurance card, as well as women of all ages who receive special healthcare support due to limited income. The measure, approved within the 2024 social security budget, aims to combat period poverty and is expected to benefit approximately 6.7 million people, representing nearly ten percent of France's population. Implementation had been delayed due to the absence of an execution decree, which previously sparked criticism from feminist organizations and manufacturers of sustainable sanitary items. Recent surveys indicate that financial constraints have forced one in ten women to use inadequate alternatives like ripped clothes. This policy builds on previous efforts, including a 2016 reduction in sales tax on period products. France follows Scotland, which became the first country to legislate universal free access to period products in public buildings in 2020, marking a significant step in addressing reproductive health equity and economic barriers for women.
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France Makes Reusable Period Products Free for Young Women
The French government has announced that its social security system will reimburse the cost of reusable menstrual products, such as cups and underwear, for specific groups starting in the autumn. This initiative targets women under the age of 26 holding a state health insurance card, as well as women of all ages who receive special healthcare support due to limited income. The measure, approved within the 2024 social security budget, aims to combat period poverty and is expected to benefit approximately 6.7 million people, representing nearly ten percent of France's population. Implementation had been delayed due to the absence of an execution decree, which previously sparked criticism from feminist organizations and manufacturers of sustainable sanitary items. Recent surveys indicate that financial constraints have forced one in ten women to use inadequate alternatives like ripped clothes. This policy builds on previous efforts, including a 2016 reduction in sales tax on period products. France follows Scotland, which became the first country to legislate universal free access to period products in public buildings in 2020, marking a significant step in addressing reproductive health equity and economic barriers for women.
The Straits Times World News