Menstrual Equity for All Act Reintroduced in Congress

Representative Grace Meng’s (NY-06-D) H.R. 3644 Menstrual Equity for All Act reintroduced landmark legislation designed to ensure access to period products in schools, shelters, prisons, and workplaces across the United States.

The act will address the barriers millions of Americans face to menstrual hygiene and promotes increased access to products that are essential for public health, dignity, and participation in daily life.

Key provisions of the Menstrual Equity for All Act include:

• Requiring public schools receiving federal funding to provide free period products in bathrooms.
• Ensuring access to period products in federal buildings and correctional facilities.
• Providing tax incentives to employers that offer free period products in the workplace.

The reintroduction of the bill has drawn praise from advocates and industry leaders who are also members of the National Coalition to End Period Poverty (NCEPP)’s steering committee.

“ISSA is proud to support the Menstrual Equity for All Act because access to necessary hygiene products, especially period care products, is fundamental to public health and human dignity,” John Nothdurft, ISSA Director of Government Affairs, said. “Clean and accessible restrooms must include period products and disposal solutions—just like toilet paper and soap. This legislation aligns with the coalition’s mission to promote menstrual health and hygiene in every facility, for everyone.”

“We know that period supplies are basic essentials that all people who menstruate require to participate in daily life—going to work, school, and engaging in everyday events,” said Joanne Goldblum, Alliance for Period Supplies CEO. “The Menstrual Equity for All Act ensures equitable access to period supplies so that millions of people can earn, learn, and thrive. We thank Congresswoman Meng for championing the Menstrual Equity for All Act and fully support the bill as it offers a comprehensive solution to a major public health issue. Its passage is long overdue.”

 “We are proud to support the Menstrual Equity for All Act alongside the National Coalition to End Period Poverty,” said Michela Bedard, PERIOD executive director. “The reality is that students succeed with improved access to period products and menstrual health education in school. A large majority of students (89%) agree that if there is free toilet paper in bathrooms, there should be free menstrual products. This is a no-brainer solution to improve health and education outcomes for kids across the country.” 

“Improving access to safe, sustainable menstrual products—especially for those who can’t afford them—is a common-sense, nonpartisan issue,” said Laura Strausfeld, Period Law executive director. “These policies aren’t controversial; they’ve simply been overlooked. That’s because we haven’t talked enough about the real needs and challenges faced by people who menstruate. That’s changing now. It’s time for Congress to listen and act. Pass the Menstrual Equity for All Act and take a bold step toward ending period poverty in the United States.”

“This bill will help ensure menstruation products and care are accessible to all those who menstruate, leading to greater gender equity and reproductive health,” said Sara Guillermo, IGNITE National CEO.

The NCEPP, whose mission is to promote affordable access to menstrual products and ending period poverty in the U.S. through education, raising awareness, and driving policy change, calls on Congress to support and advance this vital legislation. In addition, the coalition encourages organizations, schools, and businesses to become period positive workplaces by voluntarily offering free period products and sanitary disposal solutions.

To learn more about the Menstrual Equity for All Act and the Coalition, click here.