Bill calling for free menstrual pads in schools passed in US

A bill requiring public middle and high schools in the state of New Hampshire to provide free menstrual products to students was passed by lawmakers last Wednesday, May 8.

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The bill was spearheaded by high school senior Caroline Dillon after learning that her peers are forced to miss school or work because they could not afford tampons and pads, as per Huffington Post on May 10.

Dillon persuaded lawmakers to view menstrual products as a necessity, reported the Associated Press (AP) on May 9.

Also known as the “period poverty” bill, it reached a 211-135 vote at the New Hampshire House.

“I know for a fact that girls here and at the middle school will stay home if they don’t have access, and they’ll (do) awful things like using socks or newspaper or reusing things, and your risk for infection skyrockets,” Dillon told AP last February.

Supporters lauded the legislation for shattering the stigma against menstruation. Meanwhile, critics said it was an unfunded mandate which requires schools to pay for more services without appropriate funds.

Republican representative Jeanine Notter, referred to the bill as a “socialist subsidy.” Hannah Mallorca/JB

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