One in three American women and girls live in or on the brink of poverty. In fact, women are 35% more likely than men to experience poverty. Meanwhile, transgender people are twice as likely as the general population to experience poverty, and encounter more difficulties in overcoming it. 

Since so many Americans experiencing poverty also experience periods, how might we keep their needs in mind when it comes to product affordability?

In most states, menstrual products are excluded from tax exemptions afforded to other medical and health supplies such as lip balm, men’s razors and Viagra. This is known as the tampon tax. 

Proposals to subsidize menstrual products as a form of health care, such as the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2017, have been met with opposition from those who consider it preferential treatment for women.

What can we do about it?

Organizations across the country are working to help people meet their menstrual needs regardless of their circumstances. PERIOD is a non-profit organization that supplies donations, does educational outreach, and advocates for menstrual equity.  

Find out how you can help relieve the burden of a period.