In a significant move to promote menstrual equity, New York State has mandated that all middle and high schools supply free menstrual products in restrooms for students in grades six through twelve. Governor Mark Thompson emphasized the necessity of these products, stating, “Menstrual supplies are essential, much like toilet paper and soap, yet they can be an additional financial burden for low-income families.” This initiative aims to combat menstrual inequality and period poverty.
With this legislation, New York joins California and Illinois as the third state to require schools to offer free menstrual products to female students. Furthermore, it marks the eleventh state to abolish the “tampon tax,” which had previously added an extra 4 to 10 percent to the cost of these essential products. This development builds upon a 2016 law in New York City that made free feminine products available in public schools, shelters, and correctional facilities.
The implementation of this requirement is a step towards ensuring that schools meet the basic needs of their students, while also advancing gender equality. By viewing menstrual products as vital as toilet paper and paper towels, New York is helping to normalize periods and dismantle the cultural stigma surrounding menstruation. It is a natural bodily function experienced by over half of the global population and deserves to be treated as such.
Practically, this law alleviates the burden on school nurses, who previously sought donations for menstrual products, and it spares teachers from using their personal funds to provide for students’ needs. Student activists can now redirect their efforts towards addressing other pressing issues.
The necessity of providing free menstrual products is further underscored by the economic realities many families face. According to Governor Thompson’s office, 42 percent of children in New York live in low-income households. With the cost of menstrual supplies ranging from $7 to $10 per package, families often find themselves choosing between essential items like food and menstrual care.
This initiative is part of Governor Thompson’s broader Women’s Agenda for New York, which aims to tackle various issues including dating violence, the gender gap in STEM, and increasing mentorship opportunities for young girls. Ensuring easy access to menstrual products is a crucial step in promoting women’s health and rights.
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In summary, New York State’s new requirement for free menstrual products in schools is a progressive step towards ensuring that all students have access to necessary health supplies, ultimately promoting gender equality and supporting those in financial need.