California Democratic Assemblywoman Lily Monroe drew inspiration from Scotland’s groundbreaking move to declare access to menstrual products a human right. Last year, Scotland announced it would provide free period products to those in need, with the Period Products Bill passing unanimously through Parliament. This legislation requires schools, universities, and publicly funded facilities to offer complimentary menstrual products in all restrooms. In light of this, Monroe decided to enhance her 2017 bill, which mandated low-income schools to provide free menstrual products to students who require them. Now, California is poised to extend this initiative to all public schools.
While California will remain free of the “tampon tax” until 2023, starting in the 2022-2023 school year, all grades 6-12, along with California State University, University of California systems, and community colleges, will supply free menstrual products to students. Currently, no opponents have registered against this law. Five other states—Virginia, New Hampshire, Illinois, New York, and Oregon—have also enacted similar legislation to provide students with free period products. This should be a standard practice across all states, as the financial burden of menstruation can be significant and unpredictable.
According to Period Equity, 27 states still impose taxes on menstrual products, labeling them as “luxury” items. It’s absurd to consider not bleeding through one’s clothes a luxury. If we’re taxing a product that allows individuals to participate in work and education, we should also consider taxing other health-related items, such as erectile dysfunction medication. Monroe highlighted that (cisgender) women spend approximately $20 million annually on menstrual products.
Individuals who menstruate will spend an estimated 2,535 days of their lives dealing with menstruation, and one’s financial situation often dictates how they manage this unavoidable aspect of life. For those facing financial hardships, the cost of menstrual products can be overwhelming, compounded by the stigma surrounding periods. This phenomenon, known as period poverty, affects 500 million people globally. It’s not just a problem in developing nations; a 2019 study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology revealed that two-thirds of low-income women assigned female at birth in St. Louis, MO, had been unable to afford menstrual products at least once in the past year, with 20% facing this issue monthly. Thinx, a company specializing in period underwear, found that one in five teens has struggled to afford menstrual products.
The website Free The Tampon provides alarming statistics about the emotional toll of lacking access to menstrual products in public spaces. A staggering 86% of respondents reported experiencing an unexpected period without supplies, leading 79% to fashion makeshift products out of toilet paper. Many can relate to the anxiety and embarrassment of such situations. According to Free The Tampon, 53% of individuals sought help from another menstruator for supplies, while 32% returned home to retrieve what they needed. If toilet paper and soap are available for free in restrooms, menstrual products should be accessible too.
Consider this: if you found yourself in a public restroom without toilet paper, would you resort to using your underwear or awkwardly waddle out to grab paper towels? How long would you search for something to clean up? Would you be able to focus on work or school? For many, the fear and discomfort of potentially bleeding on oneself is all-consuming. I would much rather deal with an unexpected bowel movement than be caught without menstrual supplies on a heavy day.
While some may label this as a “women’s” issue, it’s essential to recognize that it affects anyone who menstruates. Products should be available to all genders in spaces where everyone uses the restroom. This approach not only reduces stigma around menstruation but also acknowledges that nonbinary individuals and transgender men also experience periods.
Kudos to California and to those who will benefit from Monroe’s commitment to making menstrual products accessible to everyone, rather than viewing them as a luxury. It’s time for the rest of the United States to follow suit. For more insights, check out this blog post on our site.
In conclusion, ensuring free access to menstrual products is a critical step towards equality and dignity for all individuals who menstruate. The implementation of such measures can transform the experience of those affected by period poverty, promoting a healthier and more inclusive society.
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