Overview

• Strasbourg’s policy granted 13 days of exceptional absence per year for female municipal employees experiencing menstrual pain, endometriosis, or menopause symptoms with a medical certificate
• On June 24, the administrative tribunal of Strasbourg annulled the policy, ruling that municipalities lack the legal authority to create such leave without national legislation
• Between September 2024 and May 2025, 118 employees submitted medical certificates for the leave and 67 actually took the time off
• The Prefecture of Bas-Rhin initiated the court challenge citing a lack of legal basis and a May 21 circular from the Directorate General of Local Authorities directed prefects to oppose similar municipal measures
• Mayor Jeanne Barseghian intends to appeal the ruling and is urging parliament to establish a statutory framework for menstrual health leave