Cost Removal of Menstrual Products
Document Type
Presentation
Type
EnACT
UN Sustainable Development Goal
UNSDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being
Start Date
29-4-2026 2:30 PM
End Date
29-3-2026 2:45 PM
Abstract
When looking at a product, many people look at the price it's set at before making any action for it. Not everyone in the U.S. has the opportunity to buy the most beneficial product for them. When looking at low income women, it is visible that not every woman may buy the most comfortable or healthiest products for themselves because of pricing. Our bill aims to lower the cost of menstrual products for low income individuals in Illinois.
Our bill will allow SNAP benefits to cover the cost of menstrual products along with the food items it covers right now. Menstrual products are defined as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear, and other products directly related to women’s menstrual health. A piece of legislation in Illinois was passed in 2021 doing the same thing for Illinois, but because of lack of federal approval, was never put into effect. This piece of federal legislation will ensure that all women across the United States will have some sort of support to support their menstrual health. Additionally, no significant extra funding is required for our bill, as it extends SNAP’s scope rather than gives more money to cover items directly.
Our bill is important because affordable menstrual products are crucial to combat period poverty, the ultimatum women of low income families face between hygiene supplies and basic necessities like food. Ensuring access to menstrual products in all economic classes prevents reliance on unsafe substitutes like rags or toilet paper, which use makeshift materials that can often cause infection. Menstrual products are not luxuries, they are necessities. High costs disproportionately affect low-income individuals. The lack of access to menstrual products directly correlates to women’s absence in school or work, limiting their economic and educational performance.
Cost Removal of Menstrual Products
When looking at a product, many people look at the price it's set at before making any action for it. Not everyone in the U.S. has the opportunity to buy the most beneficial product for them. When looking at low income women, it is visible that not every woman may buy the most comfortable or healthiest products for themselves because of pricing. Our bill aims to lower the cost of menstrual products for low income individuals in Illinois.
Our bill will allow SNAP benefits to cover the cost of menstrual products along with the food items it covers right now. Menstrual products are defined as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear, and other products directly related to women’s menstrual health. A piece of legislation in Illinois was passed in 2021 doing the same thing for Illinois, but because of lack of federal approval, was never put into effect. This piece of federal legislation will ensure that all women across the United States will have some sort of support to support their menstrual health. Additionally, no significant extra funding is required for our bill, as it extends SNAP’s scope rather than gives more money to cover items directly.
Our bill is important because affordable menstrual products are crucial to combat period poverty, the ultimatum women of low income families face between hygiene supplies and basic necessities like food. Ensuring access to menstrual products in all economic classes prevents reliance on unsafe substitutes like rags or toilet paper, which use makeshift materials that can often cause infection. Menstrual products are not luxuries, they are necessities. High costs disproportionately affect low-income individuals. The lack of access to menstrual products directly correlates to women’s absence in school or work, limiting their economic and educational performance.