France to cover reusable menstrual products

April 17, 2026

Summary

France said it will reimburse reusable menstrual products for women under 26 and low-income women.

Why this matters

The policy expands access to menstrual products for younger and low-income women in France. It also marks another step in efforts to address period poverty through public funding.

France’s social security system will reimburse reusable menstrual cups and period underwear for women under 26 and for women of any age receiving special health care support because of low income, the government said Thursday.

Eligible women will be reimbursed after buying the products at a pharmacy. Parliament approved the measure as part of France’s 2024 social security budget.

Implementation was delayed because no decree had been issued, prompting criticism from feminist groups and companies that make reusable menstrual products.

A November survey of 4,000 women in France found that 1 in 10 used alternatives to standard period products, including torn clothing, because of tight budgets, according to the charity Dons Solidaires.

France cut the sales tax on period products in 2016 from 20% to 5.5%.

In 2020, Scotland became the first country to make period products universally free in public buildings.

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France’s social security system will reimburse reusable menstrual cups and period underwear for women under 26 and for women of any age receiving special health care support because of low income, the government said Thursday.

Eligible women will be reimbursed after buying the products at a pharmacy. Parliament approved the measure as part of France’s 2024 social security budget.

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A November survey of 4,000 women in France found that 1 in 10 used alternatives to standard period products, including torn clothing, because of tight budgets, according to the charity Dons Solidaires.

France cut the sales tax on period products in 2016 from 20% to 5.5%.

In 2020, Scotland became the first country to make period products universally free in public buildings.
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