Czech Radio: free menstrual products in schools face pushback from regions and municipalities

A new decree mandating free menstrual products in girls' school bathrooms is awaiting the health minister’s signature. As Czech Radio reports, the regulation is set to take effect in January and it would require pads and tampons to be available in primary and secondary schools for girls over nine. While the initiative was sparked by student activism and supported by several ministries, some municipalities and regions, including the Union of Towns and Municipalities and Karlovy Vary Region, oppose the measure due to funding concerns. Critics argue the state should also provide financial support if it imposes new obligations on local governments.