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Survey reveals majority support for free period products in U.S. public schools

Study shows that 76.5% of U.S. citizens believe sanitary pads and tampons should be provided for free in schools and universities

More than three-quarters of U.S citizens support the free distribution of menstrual products in public schools and universities, according to a new survey conducted by YouGov for the Alliance for Period Supplies. The study revealed that 76.5% of respondents agreed that sanitary pads and tampons should be made available at no cost to students. Analyzing the data by age, gender, and political affiliation, the survey found clear majority support across all subgroups.

Support was particularly strong among women (83.2%) and also significant among men (69.5%). The survey showed broad approval from Democrats (90.1%), Republicans (62.1%), and Independents (74.6%). Among those earning less than US$ 30,000 annually, 84% expressed support, while 82.7% of those earning over US$ 150,000 also agreed. Adults with children at home (83.1%) showed higher levels of support, but the sentiment was also strong among those without children (74.3%).

“People expect that when they use a public restroom, basic necessities like toilet paper, soap, and paper towels will be available”, said Kelley E.C. Massengale, Director of Research for the Alliance for Period Supplies. “When people use a public restroom and find any of these basic supplies to be missing, they may even speak up, letting someone in charge know that one of these items needs to be replenished. The results of this poll show overwhelming support for also including the basic necessities of period products in the restrooms of the buildings where students are learning. No matter what characteristics we looked at, the majority of Americans believe that students should have access to period products at school”, she added.

The survey also revealed that two out of five individuals who menstruate have faced financial difficulties in purchasing menstrual products. Additionally, more than one-third of respondents reported missing school or work in the past year due to a lack of access to the necessary products to manage their periods.

The Alliance for Period Supplies, along with its partner organizations, has been advocating for laws that ensure free menstrual products in U.S. public schools. “We’re seeing more state-level victories every year,” said Alliance for Period Supplies Director of Government Relations, Lacey Gero. “These campaigns are strengthened by the advocacy of students themselves, who know first-hand that period supplies are school supplies”, she concluded.

Source
Alliance for Period Facility Executive
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