Although there are roughly 800 million women and girls menstruating every day, both teens and adults have reported feeling negatively affected by the stigma associated with menstruation, especially the idea that having a period is “gross” or “unsanitary”. Studies show that 88% of teens and 74% of adults hide their period products when going to the restroom at school or at work, and as many as four in five students have missed class time or know someone who has due to lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, like pads or tampons. Further, many women and girls do not have access to, or do not seek, necessary healthcare out of shame or fear of being judged and dismissed for a natural, bodily function out of their control.
 
While we are beginning to make strides in ensuring the accessibility of menstrual hygiene products and destigmatizing menstruation, we must do more to promote open conversations on menstruation and menstrual health. To do this, we are introducing a resolution to recognize May 2025 as “Menstrual Health Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Our resolution will bring awareness to the experiences of many women and girls and empower everyone to talk about their period.
 
We hope you will join us in this effort to normalize menstruation and bring awareness to the importance of menstrual health by co-sponsoring this resolution.