Towels, cotton balls and diapers.
Since many menstruators in Utah can’t afford pads and tampons, they turn to cheaper alternatives, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
To combat the issue of access, stigma, poverty, privacy and taboo, a group of women in Utah are pushing legislation to require all public K-12 schools and charters to provide free pads and tampons.
On November 17, a crowd of more than 200 people rallied at the Utah Capitol in support of free period products at schools.
Leading the effort is mother and advocate Emily McCormick of The Period Project.
“Access to period products is as necessary as toilet paper. It’s time to change,” said McCormick.
Representative Karianne Lisonbee has agreed to sponsor a bill to make the push a reality in the upcoming session this January.
Rep. Lisonbee’s measure would call to set aside state funding to pay for tampons and pads. Products would be put in school bathroom dispensers so that all students can have access at every public elementary, middle and high school in Utah.
The bill is supported by Gov. Deidre Henderson and Gov. Spencer Cox
“I’m really glad that we’re starting to get rid of the stigma around periods. It’s about dang time,” Henderson stated.
And we couldn’t agree more.
