Scotland to become first country to provide free universal access to period products

As the ongoing fight towards equality continues, Scotland is on the verge of becoming the first country in the world to provide free universal access to menstrual sanitary products. Lennon introduced the legislation in 2019 after many years of campaigning for essential feminine hygiene products, such as tampons and pads, to become readily available for all.

We are in the final miles of a long journey and I am heartened by the support for the Period Products Bill. I am optimistic that we will complete that groundbreaking journey today.

Decisive vote to be announced today

A final debate and vote, scheduled today, at the Scottish Parliament will determine whether the legislation will pass or not. The Period Products (Free Provision Scotland Bill) would entail accessibility to free period products for anyone who needs them. Distribution points could be seen in schools, colleges and universities.

Unanimous support from all parties

Despite initial opposition from the Scottish government, in part due to a hefty annual budget estimation previously set at around £9.7 million a year, the bill is expected to secure cross-party support.

One Scottish Conservative spokesman echoed support of the bill by saying that:

Nobody should struggle to access sanitary products due to poverty. We have some concerns about the delivery and funding of the scheme, which we will seek to address at stage three.

Of the Scottish Liberal Democratic party, equality spokeswoman Caron Lindsay believes that:

Monica Lennon’s Bill is a welcome next step on the march to stamp out period poverty in Scotland and it is one that Scottish Liberal Democrats fully support. It’s unthinkable that anyone in this country is forced to use rags or clothes or miss out on an education when they don’t have sufficient funds to buy sanitary products.