Scotland is close to becoming the first country to provide free menstrual products after a landmark decision in the Scottish Parliament. If the Period Products Bill passes successfully, menstrual products would be free to those who require them.
The decision has opened up the conversation about whether other countries such as Canada should follow suit and implement similar changes. A discussion of this sort is long overdue, as accessibility to menstrual products is still a big issue for millions of people all over the world.
A third of all Canadian women under the age of 25 have experienced period poverty and have struggled to afford menstrual products, according to a Plan Canada International survey conducted in 2018.
It’s evident Canadians who menstruate are burdened with a financial strain those who don’t menstruate are immune from. At that point, accessibility becomes a matter of gender equality.
Until 2015, menstrual products were subject to GST, as they were considered a “non-essential” or luxury item, making them taxable. While I can’t speak for all, for myself, I can assure you there is absolutely nothing luxurious about having a period.
Although the tax was lifted, the high costs of menstrual products continue to cause these necessities to remain out of reach for women who are homeless, low income, and marginalized. In addition to the financial strain, there are health risks associated with period poverty, too.
A lot of women are only able to use a few tampons to cover the entirety of their period, as a result of not being able to afford more.
Doing so poses the risk of contracting toxic shock syndrome. Additionally, using the same pad for a long amount of time can cause urinary tract infections, fungal infections, and in severe cases, infertility.
Some may argue you can buy period products online for cheaper or you could use reusable period products, such as menstrual cups or period underwear.
However, online shopping requires having a fixed residential address and access to a credit card which once again, is a privilege not enjoyed by all. Most importantly, it is not available to women who need free menstrual products the most.
Also, reusable period products pose two main challenges. First is the immediate cost. Menstrual cups and period underwear can run for $30 to $50, which is not affordable for many people. The second issue is a matter of hygiene. Many women, especially those living in shelters, do not have access to facilities to launder or clean reusable period products.
Menstruation is a matter of reproductive health women cannot avoid. These products should be covered under healthcare for all because when women are struggling to make ends meet, they are unable to prioritize their own health in doing so.
Free condoms are available at many college campuses and health centers. While providing safe sex supplies is important too, I really think free menstrual products should be available first.
You can choose to have sex, but you don’t choose to menstruate. The conversation and debate surrounding accessibility to menstrual products may also help alleviate the stigma around menstruation and women’s needs during that time of the month.
It would help raise more awareness about the strain that lack of accessibility to menstrual periods can put on people’s lives financially, emotionally, and physically.
When women spend up to six years of their lives bleeding, menstruation becomes a big part of their lives in general. So, if we care about the lives and health of half the population, inaccessibility to hygiene products needs to be addressed urgently.
Period.
Photo by Tim Austen.
