Government pledges VAT cuts on menstrual products

The government on Thursday said it will reduce VAT on menstrual products, introduce a minimum threshold of women who must sit on public boards, and study the introduction of free contraception.  

Reforms Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg announced the measures which form part of a five-year strategy to mainstream gender equality. 

Among its highlights, the document says that emergency contraception will be freely available at Mater Dei or primary health care centres, without any hindrances, for victims of rape. 

Malta will also explore easier access to menstruation products, with a view to eliminating “period poverty” - a lack of access to menstrual products.  

The VAT rate on menstrual products will be set to the lowest possible in accordance with EU legislation and free menstruation products will be provided in schools to root out stigma.

The strategy document says that over the next five years, the government will explore the introduction of free contraception, including its cost and methods of distribution.

Malta will also explore the possibility of free female sterilisation (even if not medically required). This is a medical procedure to permanently prevent...