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Scotland Becomes First Country To Make Period Products Free

Joanna Freedman

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Scotland Becomes First Country To Make Period Products Free

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock

Scotland has become the first country in the world to make period products free for all, after MSPs voted in Holyrood on a new bill today.

The historic vote is a huge step towards eradicating period poverty in Scotland, and ensuring that free sanitary pads and tampons are available for all.

It came as part of the Sanitary Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill, and means the country will now put aside £9.7 million for free period products, which all women in the country now have a legal right to.

This follows Scotland's decision to give students free access to period products in 2018.

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All women should now be able to access sanitary products in Scotland (Credit: Shutterstock)
All women should now be able to access sanitary products in Scotland (Credit: Shutterstock)

Research has shown that one in 10 girls across the UK have at one point been unable to afford period products.

Plus, double have used a less suitable product because they can't front the cost.

The 'world leading' legislation was pushed by Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon, and succeeded despite there originally being opposition over the yearly spend it would ensue.

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Discussing the vote ahead of it being passed, Monica said: "We are in the final miles of a long journey and I am heartened by the support for the Period Products Bill.

"I am optimistic that we will complete that groundbreaking journey today. Scotland will not be the last country to make period poverty history - but it now has a chance to be the first.

"This law will ensure no-one has to go without essential period products."

Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon has been supporting the bill (Credit: PA)
Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon has been supporting the bill (Credit: PA)
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She added: "Thanks to a bold grass roots campaign and cross-party support, Scotland has already taken great strides to improve access to period products.

"Legislation is a world-leading opportunity to secure period dignity for all women, girls and people who menstruate.

"The campaign has been backed by a wide coalition, including trades unions, women's organisations and charities.

"Thousands of supporters have played a part, including people who shared their experiences of period poverty, and I am grateful to them all."

Topics: Life News, Periods, Life, Health

Joanna Freedman
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