Period poverty is a prevalent issue in our society. Every month, millions of women struggle to acquire the period supplies they need for daily life. Alarmingly, 25% of women report being unable to secure enough period supplies to meet their needs, and 20% of women report missing activities such as school or work because of a lack of menstruation products.
 
Companies, individuals, and organizations attempt to fill this gap and supply menstrual products to financially insecure individuals via product donations to non-profits, community programs, diaper banks, and other sources of community assistance. While research shows that many women prefer tampons, the majority of products donated are pads and liners, as tampons are “Class 2” medical products. This classification plagues manufacturers and other donators with liability concerns, crippling the supply of tampons to those who cannot afford them on their own.
 
That is why, in the near future, I will be introducing legislation that protects non-profit organizations and donators of menstrual products from unreasonable liability in the absence of gross negligence or reckless actions. Instituting reasonable liability protections will allow manufacturers, retailers, and other persons to donate tampons to community organizations with peace of mind and increase the availability of preferred menstrual products among those in need.
 
For one-quarter of women, not having enough menstrual products to comfortably get through their menstruation is a reality. It is not only a question of health, but dignity. I hope you will join me in helping to end period poverty.