*NJ Bill (S-1221/A-1349)* Bill signed in NJ to address “Period Poverty” in schools
We are so happy to share this fantastic news with all of you. We all are keenly aware that lack of accessibility to menstrual health products affects school attendance. That is an absolute no-brainer. That is what we call the “Period Poverty”. Nearly 1 in 4 girls miss some part of school due to lack of accessibility to period products to manage their periods.
The NJ govt has recognized this fact and has acted on it as part of their efforts to end the “Period Poverty”. Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill (S-1221/A-1349) on 8/23/2023 requiring school districts to provide menstrual products free of charge in every public school teaching students in one or more of grades six through twelve. (Link to the Press Release of the bill is Governor Murphy Signs Bill to Provide Access to Free Menstrual Products for Students in Grades Six through Twelve)
On this day, Aug 23, 2023, New Jersey becomes the twenty-third state in the country to provide menstrual products in schools. Through this bill, menstrual hygiene products will be made available in NJ schools. The cost of supplying these products will be borne by the state.
NJ Dept of Education and NJ Dept of Health will periodically assess the implementation of this program in schools. They make recommendations or expand the programs if they see the need for it.
In addition the NJ Department of Health has created a website to provide residents with critical information about common menstrual health-related matters. More information on period issues and products can be found at nj.gov/health/periods
Making menstrual products available in NJ schools affords all students equal opportunities to learn and study without shame or stigma or lost chances for education. It can also help normalize periods, help people overcome potential embarrassment or distress from not having what they need, and can support positive self-esteem.
We hope that with this monumental step, all students will have equal access to education enabling them to reach their full potential, irrespective of gender or family income level.
As students ourselves, I could not be more enthused about this bill’s passage !