Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Ohiogal

(34,631 posts)
Tue Nov 24, 2020, 06:01 PM Nov 2020

Scotland becomes first country to make tampons and pads available for free

How about that!!

And I had no idea that 20% of Scottish women live in poverty. Wonder what it is in the USA.

London (CNN)Scotland has become the first country to allow free and universal access to menstrual products, including tampons and pads, in public facilities, a landmark victory for the global movement against period poverty.

The Scottish Parliament voted unanimously in favor of the Period Products bill on Tuesday, months after lawmakers had initially signaled their support.

It means period products will be available to access in public buildings including schools and universities across Scotland. According to the new rules, it will be up to local authorities and education providers to ensure the products are available free of charge.

****

The bill's accompanying financial memorandum estimates it could cost around £8.7 million a year by 2022, depending on the number of women who will take advantage of the free products. In a document supporting the legislation, Lennon said it was reasonable to expect 20% uptake of the scheme given the fact that official inequality statistics show that nearly 20% of women in Scotland live in relative poverty.

The new law was praised by a number of equality and women's rights groups as well as politicians from across the parties represented in the Scottish Parliament.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/24/uk/scotland-period-products-vote-scli-gbr-intl/index.html

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Scotland becomes first country to make tampons and pads available for free (Original Post) Ohiogal Nov 2020 OP
Good idea! Kudos to Scotland. n/t Laelth Nov 2020 #1
I think this is great. Biophilic Nov 2020 #2
Can anyone see this happening in the USA? Ohiogal Nov 2020 #3
Not in four years. Maybe 8. LakeArenal Nov 2020 #4
Under President Harris and VP Chelsea Clinton Ohiogal Nov 2020 #5
Sure you can. LakeArenal Nov 2020 #6
That works, too. Ohiogal Nov 2020 #9
Can you imagine those old Republican geezers procon Nov 2020 #7
My thoughts exactly! Ohiogal Nov 2020 #8
Both Congratulations flotsam Nov 2020 #10

Biophilic

(4,738 posts)
2. I think this is great.
Tue Nov 24, 2020, 06:04 PM
Nov 2020

I've never had to worry about how I would pay for my tampons or pads, but I honestly wondered about others who were scrimping to buy food or other essentials. I'm impressed that the Scots were the first to do this. Good for them.

procon

(15,805 posts)
7. Can you imagine those old Republican geezers
Tue Nov 24, 2020, 07:47 PM
Nov 2020

in Congress discussing anything about nasty lady business? They couldn't even bring themselves to say the words let alone fund such a measure.

I would like to see the Biden administration include this coverage for anyone who needs period products. In the same bill, the gov should provide free condoms, and face masks too.

Ohiogal

(34,631 posts)
8. My thoughts exactly!
Tue Nov 24, 2020, 08:35 PM
Nov 2020

They would rather go outside and lick a metal pole during a blizzard than even utter the word Period! So true. We really need to get younger and more female lawmakers into our Congress.

Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»Women's Rights & Issues»Scotland becomes first co...