Schools are Making Period Products Free: Why That Matters

Did your high school provide free period products for students?

Written by Natalie Bronfine

After a bill passed a couple of weeks ago in Minnesota, students in grades 4-12 will have access to pads and tampons in all public and charter schools for free. A similar bill just passed in Utah, this time for students K-12! Across the Atlantic, Northern Ireland is trying to pass a bill that goes one step further, providing period products in all public buildings. 

Why is this important? Activists, students and teachers have been fighting for legislation like this across the county for years. A 2019 survey states that “of 693 women who attended U.S. high schools found that nearly 24% left school early due to a lack of access to feminine hygiene products. Nearly 13% reported that they missed school when they were on their period and couldn’t access supplies.” These are staggering numbers, yet I’m sure we all can relate to getting our period in school and not knowing what to do. 

What can you do? 

• Many clubs and organizations on high school or college campuses, such as Period the Movement, advocate for period products to be made available to all students. Reach out to your campuses or start your own! 
• Get involved in your state’s government, reach out to your state representatives and senators, and advocate for period products to have a place on their legislative agenda. 

Written by Natalie Bronfine, Sunny Intern