For too long, those unable to access period products have suffered in silence, afraid to speak about an entirely healthy and natural bodily function which is made infinitely worse without the means to take care of it.

 

This has forced people to use potentially inappropriate and harmful alternatives, such as socks or newspapers; to use pads or tampons for far too long, with serious health consequences; or to use nothing at all. This has implications for people’s mental health too; not being able to access essential products can lead to both huge panic and low self-esteem.

 

Scotland's decision is a major win for menstrual equity, recognising that the needs of women and people who menstruate matter, and providing products accordingly, for everyone who needs them. We now need the same kind of decisive leadership and action that we’ve just seen in Scotland, throughout the UK.

 

Without the work of small charities, including but not limited to Bloody Good Period, people living with limited means or in poverty would be forced to make impossible choices – between tampons and food, or between a nappy for their baby and period products for themselves – or perhaps to use no period products at all. That is the reality for far too many people, and it is not one that should be being solved by small charities and the goodwill of donors.