Why Should Menstrual Products Be Free?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Offering free and accessible period products can

help people who menstruate save upwards of $5,000 in their lifetimes

, reduces stress on women's shelters, and reduces waste — especially if the products provided are eco-friendly!

What would happen if period products were free?

According to the survey from Thinx and PERIOD, a lack of access to period

products contributes to increased stigma around menstruation

, lower rates of classroom productivity, and increased stress for students who already have so much on their plates.

Why are period products so expensive?

Women who live in poverty may also lack access to warehouse clubs, where tampons are sold in bulk. If there's no major grocery store in their area, they may be forced to buy period products at convenience stores and drug stores. They may also have less

free time

to scour around for the best prices.

Why should pads and tampons be free in schools?


Access to free supplies

would help to alleviate some of the economic strain having a period provides. Lack of access to menstrual supplies can have an impact on education. Without access to supplies, students often miss class or do not participate as vigorously for fear of leakage and embarrassment.

Why are sanitary products not free?

Sanitary products in the United Kingdom are

taxed at 5%

, a levy that officials have blamed on European Union (EU) rules that set tax rates on certain products. Now that Britain has left the EU, British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak has said he would abolish the “ tax” in January 2021.

Are period products taxed?

Period products are

subject to a state sales tax in 30

of the 50 US states despite efforts to ban the tax country-wide. Across the European Union, most countries are not allowed to create zero-rated value-added taxes on period products and have a 5% minimum tampon tax.

Why are condoms free and not pads?

Condoms were also introduced to protect women and girls from catching STDs and HIV/AIDS. … In fact, free condoms and free pads are

complementary for the safety and education of girls and women

. Therefore, condoms should remain free, and sanitary pads should also be free.

How many pads a day is normal?

Each soaked normal-sized tampon or pad holds a teaspoon (5ml) of blood . That means it is normal to soak

one to seven normal-sized pads

or tampons (“sanitary products”) in a whole period.

How much of a woman's life is spent on her period?

You will spend

nearly 10 years

of your life on your period

Added up, this equates to around 10 years — or about 3,500 days — of the average woman's life that will be spent menstruating.

Are feminine products taxed?


Yes

. The A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) (GST–free Health Goods) Determination 2018 provides that the following products are GST-free when supplied on or after 1 January 2019: maternity pads. menstrual cups.

Why do pads cost money?

And the majority of U.S. states tax tampons and pads at the

register through sales taxes

—the so-called tampon tax. … State and local taxes can add more than nine percent to the cost of products. These costs add up over time.

How much do period products cost a year?

Assuming you buy one every three years, you're spending just

$10

on period products each year — the cup will run you around $30 — which is pretty good. However, it'll add up over time: A lifetime of Diva Cups costs about $360 total, not including the cost of shipping, taxes, or waddling.

How much do always pads absorb?

Always Infinity pads – absorbs

10x its weight

while providing unbelievable comfort so you can forget you're wearing it!

How do female soldiers deal with periods?

Bases have

stores with menstrual products available

.

Many troops live on them—sometimes with their families! —so there are restaurants, post offices, and stores known as “exchanges” that sell hygiene products (among other things), including tampons and sanitary pads.

Does the tampon tax still exist?

The Chancellor announced that

the tampon tax was to be abolished from 1 January 2021 at March 2020 Budget

. … The Tampon Tax Fund will continue to provide funding for projects supporting vulnerable women and girls. Successful applicants to the £15 million funding for 2020/21 were announced last month.

Can you get free sanitary towels?

If you are in need or struggling for sanitary products go to our customer service kiosk (Next to

Timpsons

) and ask for a package that SANDY has left for you. You will then be given a FREE discreet envelope with what you need no questions asked.”

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.