(TheBlaze) – A bill in the California Legislature would require public universities, community colleges, and secondary schools in the state to provide free menstrual products on campus.
The bill notes that the complimentary period products are not only for girls and women, but also intended to be used by biological males, including “transgender men, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people who may also menstruate.” Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, a Democrat representing the 58th Assembly District, introduced AB-367, the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2021.
The Menstrual Equity Act of 2021 would require “all public schools serving students in grades 6 to 12, the California State University (CSU) and each California Community College (CCC) district, and public agencies that maintain restrooms facilities for the public and for employees, to stock at least 50% of restrooms with feminine hygiene products at all times and requests the Regents of the University of California (UC) and private higher education institutions to do the same.”
“California recognizes that access to menstrual products is a basic human right and is vital for ensuring the health, dignity, and full participation of all Californians in public life,” the bill states. “Inadequate menstrual support is associated with both health and psychosocial issues, particularly among low-income people. A lack of access to menstrual products can cause emotional distress, physical infection, and disease.” READ MORE
