Menstruating individuals have a complicated relationship with their period every month. Often accompanied by cramps, nausea, and a lot of discomfort, periods can be a real challenge. But it's not just the physical pain—there's also the stress of having to rush to the store for period products, especially when an emergency strikes.
But the Senate may soon have an answer for that challenge if Senate Bill No. 2658, also known as the "Free Menstrual Products Act," initiated by Senator Sonny Angara, is signed into law. The bill seeks to promote access to proper menstrual health and hygiene by providing free menstrual products to all indigent females enrolled in public schools. It also seeks to distribute free menstrual products in public health centers in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Local Government Units (LGUs).
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Combatting Period Poverty With The Free Menstrual Products Act
In the Explanatory Note for the Bill, Angara referenced a survey made by the Humanist Alliance Philippines, a civil society organization. In 2023, they found that 74% of women aged 14 to 30 have missed work or school due to a lack of access to feminine hygiene products or the embarrassment of going out without them.
Given the staggering number, Senator Angara further emphasized in the Explanatory Note that it is high time to "address the limited access to or affordability of menstrual health and hygiene services and products that poses serious health risks, particularly reproductive and urinary tract infections among other complications."
The proposed bill emphasizes that empowering women encompasses protecting and ensuring their rights and access to healthcare, including reproductive health. Recognizing the pivotal role of empowered women in nation-building, this legislation is crucial for advancing gender equality and societal progress.
"This measure will improve the country's human development and its local industries as well as implement the State's policy on achieving gender equality, social dignity, and sustainable development," the Senator added.
To add to this, the Senator noted that the bill aims to "promote and mandate the use of locally made menstrual hygiene and health products." This means that support to the local industry of sanitary goods shall be prioritized as this will ensure quality products for all women nationwide.
Similarly, Senator JV Ejercito filed Senate Bill No. 2475 in 2023, which aims to address the discrimination and stigma surrounding menstrual health. This bill contains provisions similar to those outlined in the more recent bill filed by Angara, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues and promoting menstrual health awareness and access to resources for all individuals.
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The Free Menstrual Products Act's Impact On Women's Reproductive Health
In case you didn't know, women and girls in the country have been denied access to materials and education for their reproductive health. According to the UN CEDAW Report, denial of such access has far-reaching consequences, particularly in terms of reproductive health outcomes and overall well-being. Additionally, the persistent stigma surrounding menstruation exacerbates the challenges faced by females, making it difficult to respect and support their needs.
That's why this proposed legislation offers hope in addressing such stigma. By providing free menstrual products to indigent females in public schools and health centers, the bill aims to bridge the gap in access to reproductive health materials. Plus, by promoting menstrual health awareness and normalizing conversations around menstruation, the legislation seeks to challenge the social taboo associated with periods, ultimately fostering a more supportive and inclusive environment for women and girls across the country.
