France to Cover Reusable Period Products for Young Women

Almost 7 million women in France just gained access to sustainable menstrual products at no cost, marking a major win in the fight against period poverty.

Starting this fall, France's social security system will reimburse reusable menstrual cups and underwear for all women under 26 and those with limited incomes. Women can purchase these products at pharmacies and get their money back through their state health insurance cards.

The program will help 6.7 million people, nearly one tenth of France's 69 million population. Parliament actually approved the measure as part of the 2024 social security budget, but delays in issuing the implementation decree sparked frustration among feminist groups and sustainable product manufacturers.

The timing couldn't be more critical. A November survey of 4,000 French women revealed that one in ten resorted to makeshift alternatives like ripped clothing during their periods because they couldn't afford proper products.

This builds on France's earlier efforts to make menstrual care accessible. The country reduced sales tax on period products from 20 percent to 5.5 percent back in 2016, but advocacy groups argued that wasn't enough for those struggling financially.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond individual impact, this policy creates positive change on multiple fronts. Young women can redirect money previously spent on menstrual products toward education, housing, or other essentials. The focus on reusable products also reduces waste, benefiting the environment while helping wallets.

The policy sends a powerful message that menstrual care is healthcare, not a luxury. By making reusable options the reimbursed choice, France normalizes sustainable alternatives and potentially shifts consumer habits across the broader population.

France joins a growing movement of countries recognizing period poverty as a real barrier to equality. Scotland led the way in 2020 by becoming the first nation to guarantee free universal access to period products in public buildings, setting a precedent that's inspiring action worldwide.

The French charity Dons Solidaires, which conducted the November survey, has been advocating for exactly this kind of systemic solution rather than relying solely on donation programs.

For the millions of French women who've been choosing between food and feminine hygiene, relief arrives in just a few months.