Mexico City Approves Menstrual Leave for Students

Mexico City has approved a reform to its Education Law allowing primary and secondary students to take menstrual leave, enabling absences for severe menstrual pain without academic or disciplinary consequences. The initiative, part of the broader “Menstruación Digna” program, also includes the distribution of menstrual cup kits to students, starting with the 2025–2026 school year.

The reform, promoted by MORENA Deputy María Morales and published in the local Official Gazette, modifies Article 111 of the City’s Education Law to include menstrual leave. Mayor Clara Brugada says that the initiative addresses economic barriers and health-related absenteeism, noting that nearly half of adolescent girls in the city miss school due to menstrual complications or limited access to menstrual products. “We have statistics showing that 48% of girls miss school due to menstrual complications or lack of resources,” she says.

The policy responds to challenges faced by students who experience severe symptoms such as intense pelvic pain, fatigue, nausea, headaches, or mood changes, which can impede concentration, movement, and classroom participation. Advocates note that the lack of formal policies previously forced students to choose between their well-being and academic obligations, contributing to anxiety, stress, and lower performance.

Beyond health considerations, the reform seeks to address cultural stigma surrounding menstruation. Historically, menstrual pain has been treated as a private issue, and students often conceal discomfort to avoid judgment or ridicule, reports MBN. By recognizing menstrual leave, authorities aim to affirm the legitimacy of these experiences and promote an educational environment that acknowledges students’ health needs.

While the approval marks a policy advance, challenges remain in implementation. Experts caution that schools must prevent misuse of the leave, avoid reinforcing gender stereotypes, and ensure students do not fall behind academically. Complementary measures suggested include integrating menstrual education into curricula, training teachers on menstrual health from a rights-based perspective, providing free access to menstrual products, and upgrading school sanitation facilities with private, functional, and hygienic spaces.

The initiative also includes distributing menstrual cup kits to girls in fifth and sixth grades of primary school and all secondary students, writes MBN. Officials highlight that access to these products can reduce absenteeism and economic burden on families, contributing to overall equity in education.

Mexico City’s program represents a step toward recognizing menstrual health as a public concern and an educational priority. By combining legal protections, product distribution, and long-term educational strategies, the city aims to create conditions that allow students to manage menstruation without fear, stigma, or obstacles to learning