Period Poverty, an Epidemic

As women and people who menstruate, our menstrual cycle is an integral part of our lives. It is a natural process that over half of the world’s population experiences and has been occurring since the beginning of time. Yet, it is still often shrouded in secrecy and shame. We need to break the stigma and start talking openly and honestly about periods and how we can increase access to period products, healthcare, and education.

Period Poverty Defined

Period poverty is a critical issue impacting many women and girls, with menstruators in the Black community being affected the most. The inability to access menstrual products and appropriate healthcare during menstruation can lead to negative outcomes, such as missed school and work days, infections, and feelings of shame and embarrassment.   

Period poverty refers to inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products and education, such as sanitary resources, washing facilities, and waste management.

How Period Poverty Affects Menstruators in the United States

In the United States, 2 in 5 women struggle to purchase period products due to a lack of income, and one-third of low-income women report missing work, school, or other commitments due to a lack of period supply. Similarly, nearly 1 in 5 students (ages 13-19) have struggled to afford period products, and 4 in 5 of them either missed or knew someone who missed class time because they did not have access to period products.

Disparities among Black Menstruators

Black women and girls are disproportionately impacted by period poverty due to economic disadvantages and systemic racism. According to a study by the Alliance for Period Supplies, 23% of Black people with periods strongly agree that they’ve struggled to afford products. Additionally, Black menstruators in the United States shared that they have borrowed products, used toilet paper, fabric, or used nothing to get through their monthly cycle.

Period Poverty in Ohio

In Ohio, the fact that many women and girls cannot afford period products due to financial constraints is deeply concerning. Although the state no longer adds a sales tax on period supplies, 1 in 6 women and girls in Ohio live below the Federal Poverty Line and cannot afford menstrual products. Similarly, 667, 300 menstruators between the ages of 12 and 44 receive healthcare coverage through Medicaid, medical assistance, or other government assistance plans but still find it difficult to afford this basic necessity.

Legislation

However, Ohio legislators are working to reduce these challenges in our community with the 2024-2025 fiscal budget. In July, The Ohio General Assembly’s operating budget officially PASSED, signed by Governor DeWine, designates $5 million to provide free period products in schools that enroll girls in grades 6-12. This funding includes $2 million to install dispensers and $3 million to reimburse district and school costs of period products, which will be managed through the Ohio Department of Education.

More specifically, the bill:

Requires each school district, other public school, and chartered nonpublic school that enrolls girls in any grades 6-12 to provide free period products to those students
Permits each district or school to choose to provide products to students below grade 6 and where the products are kept in the school
Applies to public, charter, and religious schools

States that all such products are to be for use on school premises

This map was created by *Aunt Flow* and was recently updated to include the addition of Ohio’s legislation. The darker orange color indicates states with legislation for increased period products in schools, while the lighter orange color are states that do not have such legislation. As of August 1, 2023, there are still 21 states without legislation to support menstruators in schools.

Check out this clip from the creators of Periodical, MSNBC’s new film about period equity airing November 20th. It highlights the work of Ohio State students who led the efforts for this legislation, including myself.

Solutions to Address Period Poverty

Fortunately, there are several measures that can be taken to combat period poverty across the United States and Ohio, such as:

Increasing affordability

One of the most critical steps is to increase access to affordable menstrual products. This can be achieved by providing free or low-cost period products in schools, homeless shelters, and community centers. Additionally, removing the sales tax on menstrual products in all states can make them more affordable for those in need. As of June 20, 2023, 21 states charged sales tax on period products, ranging from 4% to 7%.

INCREASING MENSTRUAL EDUCATION

Education is another crucial aspect of addressing period poverty. Many girls and women lack basic knowledge about menstruation and menstrual care, which can lead to poor health outcomes and the perpetuation of societal stigmas. Providing comprehensive menstrual education in schools and community centers can help to break down these barriers and promote menstrual health.

increasing healthcare access

Finally, medical care is necessary in addressing period poverty. Women and girls who lack access to menstrual products are more likely to suffer from infections and other health problems. Providing access to quality and affordable medical care and screenings can help ensure that women and girls receive the care they need to stay healthy.

Conclusion

It is essential to recognize that period poverty is not solely an individual issue, but a larger societal problem that necessitates collective action and attention. As a society, we must ensure that all menstruators have access to the resources and support they require to manage their periods and ultimately live healthy, productive lives.