Scotland Is The First Country To Make Pads And Tampons Free!

Scotland is set to become the first country in the world to make pads and tampons free if new legislation is passed next week.

The Scottish Parliament approved the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill – which is designed to ensure menstrual products are free for those who need them, including tampons and pads in public facilities across the country.

The cost to implement such a strategy would be about $43 million annually and would mean pads and tampons would be accessible for all.

Scottish Parliament member Monica Lennon introduced the bill saying it’s aim was to tackle “period poverty,” and aid those who need menstrual products but struggle to afford them. It was passed 121 votes to zero.

Scotland will be the first country in the world to ensure there is access to free period products for anyone who needs them, under a law passed unanimously @ScotParl this evening. pic.twitter.com/BGAP0BfQ10

— Scot Gov Fairer (@ScotGovFairer) November 24, 2020

Lennon said how optimistic she was about the success of the bill adding her thanks to all the supporters.

“Scotland will not be the last country to make period poverty history – but it now has a chance to be the first,” she said. “Legislation is a world-leading opportunity to secure period dignity for all women, girls and people who menstruate.”

In fact Scotland has made great moves to improve access to period products. In 2018, the country made pads and tampons free in schools, colleges and universities.

In a February debate on Scotland’s current Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill, Parliament member Alison Johnstone asked, “Why is it in 2020 that toilet paper is seen as a necessity but period products aren’t?”

Why indeed? The United States is just one country that has no law providing free sanitary products for its citizens. Although many states have tried to outlaw the “tampon tax” and/or provide free products in school bathrooms.