Scotland to Provide Free Sanitary Products to Low-Income Women – Should We?

What’s the story?

• In a world-first, Scotland will tackle “period poverty” by providing free sanitary products to women from low-income households.

Why does it matter?

• An evaluation of low-income women who took part in a pilot program found that two thirds of participants “had experienced difficulties in accessing sanitary products in the past,” according to the Scottish government.

“It is expected that wider access will go some way to reducing the anxiety experienced by those who struggle to find the money to buy these essential items.”

"Menstrual equity" in the U.S.

• In March, three states - Nebraska, Virginia, and Arizona - introduced legislation aimed at exempting menstrual products from sales tax.
• Nine states have ended the so-called "tampon tax" and seven have introduced legislation to do the same.
• At the national level, in February 2017 Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) introduced the Menstrual Equity for All Act that would require large companies to provide free sanitary products in workplace restrooms.
• Additionally, four Democratic senators – Cory Booker (N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (MA), Richard J. Durbin (IL) and Kamala D. Harris (CA) – co-sponsored a bill to require prisons to provide adequate and free menstrual products to inmates.

What do you think?

Do you support legislation to mandate menstrual products be provided to vulnerable populations like students, inmates, and the homeless? Do you support legislation to exempt feminine hygiene products from sales tax? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: triocean / iStock)