New Jersey has come one step closer to recognizing women’s health needs by prioritizing them in public schools. Governor Murphy has signed legislation aligning the state’s understanding of the need to provide students with feminine products and society’s understanding of the need for feminine products everywhere else.
Today, feminine products (pads and tampons) are taxed and only accessible through purchase. While some shelters and doctor’s offices may provide feminine products at little to no cost, the majority of feminine products can only be acquired in brick-and-mortar stores or through online retailers. The new legislation, Bill S-1221/A-1349, will give female students in New Jersey in grades six through twelve access to pads and tampons.
The bill further explains, “By working to address ‘period poverty’ through convenient and free access to menstrual hygiene products in our schools, this legislation builds on the Murphy Administration’s ongoing efforts to equitably advance women’s health in New Jersey.”
Paid menstrual leave in the state has been in the legislative works for a while. The new legislation brings the state one step closer to achieving it.
Full Breakdown of Bill S-1221/A-1349: https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562023/20230823a.shtml
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