There is a growing movement in the United States for what is called Menstrual Equity. The movement appears to be happening in major US cities and is likely to spread throughout the country.

What exactly is Menstrual Equity?

It is a push by female lawmakers, entrepreneurs, and others to encourage building owners, managers, and suppliers to take menstruation issues more seriously. 

They also want to make feminine hygiene products less costly by making them available tax free or at no charge.

Among the reasons for the growing movement, according to Dennis Knapp, director of product development for Impact-Products, which markets feminine hygiene products, is that providing feminine care products are often too costly or unavailable, which is of particular concern for girls in school.

"For instance, until April of this year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) did not provide funds for any feminine hygiene products, even though they do provide funds for soap, toilet paper, diapers, and toothpaste," says Knapp.

Knapp also points out that in some US high schools, girls must go to the nurse's office if they need a tampon. "This makes them feel like something is 'wrong' with them."

As part of the Menstrual Equity movement, some cities and states are no longer taxing sanitary napkins and related products.

The goal is to make the products less costly. Knapp adds that Impact-Products is now working with its distributor to make feminine hygiene products more available and less costly by providing free vending systems to all types of facilities, including schools.

"This is a subject that is often uncomfortable to discuss," adds Knapp. "[But] it's time to put an end to that. Feminine hygiene products should be readily available in every women's restroom in the country."

Where Are Tampons Tax Free?
The following states do not tax tampons:
Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
The city of Chicago also has no tax on tampons.