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According to the BBC, local authorities will now have a legal obligation to ensure that free products such as tampons and sanitary pads are available to “anyone who needs them.”
The bill was proposed by Labor MP Monica Lennon, who has been in office since 2016. She fought for the eradication of “menstrual poverty.” According to her, it is a “practical and advanced” legislation, which has become even more relevant due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Menstruation does not end during pandemics, and the need to improve access to essential products – tampons, packets and reusable devices – has never been more important,” he added.
As the BBC explains, menstrual poverty is a situation where low-income people cannot afford to buy the necessary hygiene products during menstruation. With an average menstrual period of around five days, tampons and pads may need to cost up to £ 8 a month, and some women cannot afford that much.
A Young Scot survey of more than 2,000 people found that roughly one in four respondents in a Scottish school, college or university could not afford menstrual products. The new law is expected to eradicate not only menstrual poverty but menstrual stigma as well. Researchers say this is especially true for girls. The study found that 71 percent. 14-21 year olds are uncomfortable buying menstrual products.
Consideration of how the system will work
The (Free) Menstrual Products Bill (Scotland) legally empowers local authorities to ensure that all people in need of these products can purchase them free of charge.
The municipal councils of 32 countries will be able to decide for themselves how to implement the decision in practice, but will have to give “everyone who needs it” access to a variety of menstrual products “quite easily” and “with dignity”.
The consultation document proposes to model the scheme according to the system that already exists in the health councils for the distribution of free condoms. For example, in the NHS counties of Glasgow and Clyde, anyone looking for a free condom can request it from places like family clinics, pharmacies, colleges and universities, or fill out a card to avoid having to order it orally.
The plan will have to take effect within two years before it becomes law.
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