On Tuesday, the Scottish Parliament unanimously passed a bill making pads and tampons free for everyone — the first country in the world to do so.
The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill was introduced by Parliament member Monica Lennon and aims to end "period poverty" by getting menstrual products to people who can't afford them. The items will be available at public facilities, with the program estimated to cost the Scottish government roughly $32 million annually. Since 2018, period products have been free in schools, colleges, and universities.
Lennon said Scotland will "not be the last country to make period poverty history," and she hopes to soon see other nations use legislation to "secure period dignity for all women, girls, and people who menstruate."
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