MENSTRUAL HEALTH LEGISLATION
The Flow Initiative is committed to ending period poverty and achieving menstrual equity for all.
Beyond the distribution of free menstrual health products and resources, The Flow Initiative collaborates with government leaders and grassroots organizations to accelerate menstrual health legislation.
Below is a summary of menstrual health-related bills and resolutions that The Flow Initiative has successfully lobbied for in New Jersey, in addition to the Menstrual Equity For All Act.
ERADICATING PERIOD POVERTY IN OUR COMMUNITIES
Free Menstrual Products in Public Schools
Mandatory Menstrual Products in Homeless Shelters
Mandatory Menstrual Products in Homeless Shelters
Bill A1349 requires schools to provide menstrual products in all public school buildings. This legislation acknowledges the importance of menstrual hygiene in supporting students' physical health and educational success. By providing free menstrual products in schools, we are removing barriers to education and promoting dignity for all students.
Mandatory Menstrual Products in Homeless Shelters
Mandatory Menstrual Products in Homeless Shelters
Mandatory Menstrual Products in Homeless Shelters
Bill A3211 ensures that emergency shelters for the homeless that provide services to female residents are required to make feminine hygiene products available free of charge. This initiative recognizes the unique needs of homeless individuals, particularly women, and ensures that they have access to the menstrual products they need for their health and well-being.
Menstrual Products for Incarcerated Women
Mandatory Menstrual Products in Homeless Shelters
PCOS and Endometriosis Women's Menstrual Health Programs
Bill A517 provides access to menstrual products of varying absorbency levels for incarcerated women. Recognizing that current provisions may not meet all needs, the bill seeks to ensure that all incarcerated individuals have access to appropriate menstrual hygiene products.
PCOS and Endometriosis Women's Menstrual Health Programs
PCOS and Endometriosis Women's Menstrual Health Programs
PCOS and Endometriosis Women's Menstrual Health Programs
Bill A3366 establishes a program focused on identifying and assisting patients with symptoms related to endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), this bill aims to enhance women's health by providing targeted support and resources for these common menstrual health conditions.
Medicaid, SNAP and WIC Programs
PCOS and Endometriosis Women's Menstrual Health Programs
Menstrual Hygiene Benefit and Diaper Benefit Programs
Bill AR61 urges Congress to provide menstrual hygiene products under Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC programs. This important legislation recognizes the financial barriers that many individuals face in accessing essential menstrual products and advocates for equitable access to these basic necessities for all.
Menstrual Hygiene Benefit and Diaper Benefit Programs
PCOS and Endometriosis Women's Menstrual Health Programs
Menstrual Hygiene Benefit and Diaper Benefit Programs
Bill 2027 establishes the State Work First New Jersey Menstrual Hygiene Benefit Program and the Diaper Benefit Program. Eligible adults aged 18 to 50 participating in Work First New Jersey receive a $14 monthly benefit to purchase menstrual hygiene products, while participants with dependents under 36 months receive a $30 monthly benefit for diaper products.
Menstrual Health Education
Menstrual Health Education
Menstrual Health Education
Bill A3737 establishes a menstrual health public awareness campaign, which will educate people about different kinds of menstrual disorders and proper hygiene practices. This campaign aims to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation and empower individuals to take control of their menstrual health.
Reproductive Health
Menstrual Health Education
Menstrual Health Education
Bill S3275 mandates the establishment of a new State website with information on rights related to, and health benefits coverage for, reproductive health care services. By providing accessible and comprehensive information, this website ensures that individuals have the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Maternal Resources
Menstrual Health Education
Maternal Resources
Bill S4119 guarantees every mother the right to a doula in a hospital or birth center. This legislation recognizes the critical role that doulas play in providing emotional, physical, and informational support during childbirth, particularly for marginalized and underserved
communities.
AMPLIFYING THE MENSTRUAL EQUITY FOR ALL ACT
Menstrual equity is on the ballot. Contact your representative.
Period poverty is a public health crisis Congress must address. The Menstrual Equity For All Act will:
- Give states the option to use federal grant funds to provide students in elementary and secondary schools with free menstrual products.
- Incentivize higher education institutions to create pilot programs that provide free menstrual products to students.
- Ensure incarcerated individuals and detainees in federal (including immigration detention centers), state, and local facilities have access to free menstrual products, including requiring guidance on distribution.
- Allow homeless assistance providers to use grant funds that cover shelter necessities to also use those funds to purchase menstrual products.
- Require all public federal buildings to provide free menstrual products in the restrooms.
- Eliminate the federal sales tax on period products. #nomorepinktax
Learn more here and urge your local representative to co-sponsor this bill. Together, we can #endperiodpoverty in our communities!
