Casten, Meng Reintroduce Bill to Expand Access to Menstrual Products
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) and Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06) reintroduced the Period PROUD (Providing Resources to Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act to expand accessibility to menstrual products for those with limited access.
The Period PROUD Act would provide funding through the Social Services Block Grant program to remove cost barriers to menstrual products and educate school officials on how to best communicate with students in need of these products.
“No one should be forced to choose between paying their bills or buying menstrual products,” said Congressman Casten. “The Period PROUD Act removes a harmful cost-barrier for millions of women living in poverty and ensures they have the menstrual products they need. Menstruation is a natural process and the products it requires should be freely accessible.”
“Period products are a necessity, not a luxury. However, high costs still force millions of people to choose between affording these essential hygiene items and other basic needs," said Congresswoman Meng. "Ending period poverty is one of my biggest priorities in Congress. Legislation like the Period PROUD Act and my Menstrual Equity for All Act ensures people who menstruate have safe and affordable access to menstrual products. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Casten to continue the fight to remove cost-barriers to menstrual products for all."
Menstrual products are often unjustly considered a luxury, with the cost averaging $20 per month and forcing many women to make difficult decisions such as choosing between sanitary pads or food.
"Period poverty is a public health issue, which is detrimental to the physical, mental and economic well-being of people who menstruate," said Joanne Samuel Goldblum, CEO of the Alliance for Period Supplies. "The Period PROUD Act is a vital step forward in how we, as a society, end period poverty and support the work of nonprofits' basic needs banks that distribute free period supplies in local communities across the country. This legislation recognizes period supplies as basic necessities required for people to go to school or work, and live with dignity. The Alliance for Period Supplies applauds Congressman Sean Casten and Congresswoman Grace Meng for introducing this legislation that will help all people get the period products they require to thrive. We look forward to working with members of Congress to pass The Period PROUD Act."
"PERIOD. is proud to endorse the Period PROUD Act - a bill that supports efforts within states to get menstrual products to people who need them, where they need them, such as schools, shelters, community centers, libraries among others,” said Michaela Bedard, Executive Director of PERIOD.” This is a comprehensive bill that supports the widely popular provision of menstrual products in public places so Americans can freely engage in life, work, and go to school."
The legislation has been endorsed by Alliance for Period Supplies, Aunt Flow, Helping Women Period, ISSA: The Worldwide Cleaning Association, National Coalition for the Homeless, PERIOD, Simply the Basics
Text of the legislation can be found here.
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