Kate Farrar

On this International Women’s Day, State Representative Kate Farrar (D – West Hartford) is highlighting legislation she proposed that would address period poverty in Connecticut. Period poverty refers to an inadequate access to menstrual products and menstrual education.

“We can address period poverty and advance menstrual equity in our state by passing House Bill 5272,” said Rep. Farrar. “No one should have to choose between food, housing, their education, and access to menstrual products, but menstruators across our state, country, and even globally, must make that decision. This bill takes immediate steps to remove those cost barriers and stigma in Connecticut and raise greater awareness about period poverty's impact in our communities.”

Specifically, the proposed bill in the Public Health committee would provide free disposable menstrual products in Connecticut's public school restrooms, at public universities, and in shelters. The proposal expands upon legislation previously enacted to provide free menstrual products to individuals who are incarcerated in Connecticut.

"It is time for Connecticut to recognize access to safe menstrual products as a primary need, not a supplement. When you use the bathroom, you expect toilet paper to be free and readily available; the same should apply for menstrual products. Lack of access to menstrual products can have detrimental effects on a person’s health and physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Overtime, these experiences can build throughout a person’s reproductive years and lead to " said Bria Gadsden, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Love Your Menses.

"This legislation reflects growing public recognition that period supplies are basic essentials that should be accessible where and when folks need them. It is the embodiment of the years of work of students, advocates, legislators and citizens across the state who want to ensure that people have barrier free access to period supplies throughout Connecticut’s institutions." Janet Stolfi Alfano, Executive Director of The Diaper Bank of Connecticut

"As a menstrual equity advocate, I have met some of the girls who cannot afford menstrual products and I understand how this, and the stigmatization of periods can negatively impact their physical and mental health. Unmet health needs related to monthly menstrual cycles can put young women on a path to depression. I believe that this bill will not only give menstruators access to products, but it will empower women and girls in our state by working to eliminate the shame around menstruation and create a more open and understanding society," said Asija Qyteza, President of the UConn Waterbury Associated Student Government and LIVEGirl Leader.

"HB 5272 gives an opportunity to young individuals who menstruate to build their confidence and alleviate the stress that comes with having a period. High school certainly isn’t easy and having to worry about where you’ll find a pad should not be a monthly struggle. This legislation promotes the fight against the stigma that society has brought upon us and brings together hundreds of individuals with unique stories and backgrounds." said Chanel Thorpe, a student at Conard High School in West Hartford.

In the United States, 1 in 4 residents who menstruate cannot afford menstrual products. According to the report, "State of the Period 2021", 70 percent of students say their academic environment makes them self-conscious of their periods, and 38 percent struggle to do their best school work because they cannot access sanitary products.

Worldwide, approximately 500 million people are impacted by period poverty, according to the nonprofit organization Days for Girls. Period poverty disproportionately impacts menstruators who live in lower resourced countries and areas.