1K Views 5 years ago

Petition: Make Period Products Free Throughout the UK

Period products are a necessity. Billions of people menstruate on a monthly basis and they all should have access to menstrual products during that time. Without these products, people who are menstruating may be kept from seizing opportunities, attending school, or going to work.

In most places, period products cost money, which can make them inaccessible for so many people. In the United States alone, people spend at least $2 billion on products for their period annually. In a 2019 study of low-income people who menstruate, two-thirds of them were not able to afford period products at some point in the past year and one-fifth of those surveyed struggled to afford them each month. In correctional facilities, menstrual products are distributed sparingly and inmates may be humiliated in front of guards to “prove” that they need more pads.

“Period poverty” and a lack of access to menstrual products is a global issue. In Africa, around 10% of young people who menstruate miss school during their periods due to lack of access to period products. In Bangladesh, around 73% of factory workers who menstruate also miss work during their periods. According to the BBC, “up to 70% of reproductive diseases in India are caused by poor menstrual hygiene.” The lack of access to period products is a huge issue in most countries. There’s no reason why something that is so essential should be inaccessible for so many. Fortunately, progress is being made.

Source: BBC News/Youtube

Scotland recently decided to eliminate the economic and accessibility inequality among people who bleed by making period products free to those who need them. The Period Products bill was unanimously approved by Parliament in late November. This is a huge step that countries all over the world should follow. Sign this petition to demand that England and Wales join Scotland in making period products free for all who need them, so the entire UK can be a period-friendly nation! Hopefully, if the UK makes menstrual products accessible, more countries will follow suit!

Make Period Products Free Throughout the UKClick Here to Sign Petition

To continue speaking up, sign these other petitions as well:

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