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Scotland Makes History As First Country To Make Feminine Hygiene Products Free

Updated September 8, 2021

Historically, access to feminine products has been difficult for various reasons. One of those reasons is the cost of these overpriced essential products.

Known as "the pink tax," it's a distinctly gendered levy that is placed on items that women specifically tend to buy, like maxi pads, tampons, women's razors, and more.

Now, Scotland is the first country in the world to step up and bridge the gap, by making feminine products free in public facilities.

Scottish Parliament unanimously voted in favor of this new provision on Nov. 24.

Scotland is being a role model for the rest of the world.

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The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill makes sure that sanitary products are free for everyone who menstruates and that they're available in public facilities.

The Bill was inspired by Monica Lennon and her mission to eliminate "period poverty."

The price of freedom has been heavy.

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This Bill will cost £24 million annually (approximately $32 million). It's a lot of money, but worth it for serving a public health need that has been historically pushed aside.

"Scotland will not be the last country to make period poverty history," Lennon said. "Legislation is a world-leading opportunity to secure period dignity for all women, girls and people who menstruate."

Everyone in need should be able to receive one.

Right now, Scotland is the first and only country to enact a bill of this nature, but this isn't the country's first step toward period equality. In 2018, period products were made free in schools and universities across the nation.

The United States has no such policies in place, however some states are attempting to eliminate the "tampon tax."

Lennon is looking toward a world that eliminates period poverty.

She has asserted that this policy should be a driving force for changing the world.

She reminds communities that periods are still happening during the pandemic and people shouldn't have to worry about paying for pads and tampons at all, but especially during a global crisis.

What do you think about this landmark decision? Let us know in the comments.