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Scotland has become the first country in the world to introduce free universal access to menstruation products after a new law was passed in Holyrood tonight, although the MSP behind the legislation has said it is only the first step. to end the “stigma of menstruation” in Scottish Society.
MSPs in the Scottish Parliament unanimously passed a bill introduced by Labor health spokesperson Monica Lennon, establishing the legal right of free access to items such as tampons and sanitary pads.
His bill was approved by 121 votes to zero after winning the support of the Scottish government and the other opposition parties in Holyrood.
Ms Lennon, who has campaigned for vintage goods to be made free in public toilets and workplaces, said the Vintage Goods (Free Supply) (Scotland) bill was a “practical and progressive, “which was made even more vital by the coronavirus pandemic.
She said: “Periods don’t stop with pandemics and work to improve access to essential tampons, pads and reusable products has never been more important.”
The Sanitary Products (Free Supply) Bill (Scotland) introduces a legal right of free access to tampons and sanitary pads in schools, colleges, universities and other public buildings.
However, Ms Lennon said that while the legislation was “world leading” and “groundbreaking”, schools should also offer “menstrual education” to all students to “end the stigma” of periods, and that he would work with unions to “Improve the dignity of the time in all workplaces.”
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“/>Its member’s bill reached the final stage of becoming law, despite initial opposition and ministers who argued that the cost could far exceed the estimated £ 9.7 million a year.
Speaking before the debate, Ms Lennon said she was optimistic that other countries would follow.
“Free access to menstruation products is already happening in many places in Scotland, but this legislation will incorporate the progress made so far and expand it further,” he said.
“Once access to menstruation products is assured for all, our next steps must be to ensure that women’s health in general remains high on the political agenda in Scotland and that we end all stigma around the menstruation. This should start with menstrual wellness education in all schools.
“Scotland is an example of best practice, and there is an opportunity for other countries around the world to learn from what we have achieved in the period of poverty in just a few years.”
The bill was introduced by Ms Lennon last year after years of campaigning to end poverty, an issue highlighted by Trussell Trust Scotland after it discovered that many women and girls who access its food banks also they needed sanitary products.
It was also a subject of Ken Loach’s 2016 film I am Daniel Blake. It will ensure that anyone who needs them can access the free period products, even in schools, colleges and universities.
Ms. Lennon said: “We are in the last miles of a long journey and I am encouraged by supporting the Products of the Period bill. I am optimistic that today we will complete that innovative journey.
“Scotland will not be the last country to go down in the history of poverty at the time, but now it has a chance to be the first. This law will guarantee that no one has to do without the essential products for menstruation.
“Thanks to a bold grassroots campaign and the support of all parties, Scotland has already made great strides to improve access to the products of the time. The legislation is a world leading opportunity to ensure period dignity for all women, girls and menstruating people. “
She also paid tribute to supporters of the campaign “a broad coalition, including unions, women’s organizations and charities,” adding: “Thousands of supporters have participated, including people who shared their experiences of poverty at the time, and I am grateful to the mall.”
