MILWAUKEE — State Rep. Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) is working to address the accessibility of female hygiene products in buildings around the state.
Sargent is introducing a bill that would take crucial steps in helping to bring menstrual equality to Wisconsin by providing menstrual products in state, local and school buildings.
A study found that the average menstruating person uses almost 17,000 tampons or pads in their life. It also found that two out of three people living below the poverty line have experienced having to go without hygiene products due to costly expenses, according to U.S. news reports.
“Menstrual products are necessities, not luxuries, the ability to manage this normal bodily function is a necessity, not a privilege, and is oftentimes an urgent, unexpected need," said Sargent in a news release.
"When those who do not menstruate walk into a public restroom they have everything they need to take care of ordinary bodily functions, while those who do menstruate do not," Sargent said in the release.
Boston University conducted a study around the nation showing the cost of providing these products is significantly less than the cost of soap, toilet paper, paper towels and other bathroom supplies currently being provided in restrooms everywhere.
