New research from the Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., highlights a significant issue facing menstruating teenagers: one-third lacked access to menstrual products like pads or tampons in the past year. This phenomenon, known as Period Poverty or menstrual injustice, affects not only girls but also transgender men and non-binary individuals, as defined by Dr. George Stanley. Many are forced to use makeshift solutions like fast food napkins, and the costs of menstrual care can reach up to $18,000 over a lifetime. This financial burden contributes to emotional distress, with students feeling embarrassed and stressed about their periods, which can lead to absenteeism—84% of students have missed classes due to lack of access to menstrual products.
It’s Called ‘Period Poverty’ and it Impacts More than a Third of all Tee
Updated on October 22, 2024