ADVOCACY
Menstrual equity refers to the affordability, accessibility & safety of menstrual products for all people, including laws & policies that acknowledge & consider menstruation. Ending this crisis in our lifetime requires systemic policy change.
At PERIOD., we work to draft, pass, and implement policies that further access to period products in schools and end the discriminatory tampon tax.
PERIOD POLICIES
Check out the policy maps below to learn how your state is working to advance menstrual equity.
ACCESS TO PERIOD PRODUCTS IN SCHOOLS
Period poverty remains a significant barrier to educational equity. In 2025, nearly one in four students struggle to afford period products. (2025 State of the Period Study, PERIOD.). Lack of access to period products can lead to missed class time and hinder academic performance.
Currently, 27 states and Washington, D.C. have passed laws to further access to free menstrual products in schools. (January 2026)
It's important to note that policies vary widely by state. Some laws include dedicated funding, others mandate free period products in school without funding, while some states provide funding without a requirement to provide free period products. Requirements also differ by grade level and setting, ranging from middle and high schools only to elementary schools and, in some states, public colleges and universities.
THE TAMPON TAX
Taxing menstrual products places an inequitable financial burden on people who menstruate. Today, an estimated $130 million is still collected each year in sales tax on period products across the country. (Source: Period Law, 2026)
As of January 2026, 32 states have removed the sales tax on period products, while 18 states continue to treat them as taxable goods.
Note: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon do not have a state sales tax.
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Wait, is the same thing as the pink tax? Great question! No, the tampon tax and the pink tax are different. The pink tax refers to consumer products targeted and advertised to women that are more expensive than comparable products marketed to men (razors, soaps, deodorants, etc.) Source: World Economic Forum, 2022
TRACK ACTIVE PERIOD POLICIES
Learn more about the active bills in your state.
These live tracker maps highlight bills related to period products, menstrual health, equity, access, and/or taxation. The listing of individual bills does not imply endorsement by PERIOD. and/or our partners at the Alliance for Period Supplies.
TAKE ACTION
ADVOCATE FOR PERIOD PRODUCTS IN YOUR SCHOOL
We made a digital advocacy guide to get you started on your journey to ensuring period products are provided for free in your school restrooms!
PERIOD. & IGNITE ORGANIZING ACADEMY
This free and fully virtual bootcamp will provide youth leaders with the tools and resources to become powerful changemakers and community leaders. Learn the ins and outs of the legislative process, join a network of politically ambitious individuals, and gain mentorship as you launch your policy career.
Register for the February Bootcamp! All courses will take place from 9:00 - 11:00 AM PT/ 12:00 - 2:00 PM ET
February 7: How to Navigate the Political Process in the US
February 14: How to Write Policy & Build Power Behind It
February 21: How to Communicate Your Campaign & Influence Decision-makers
February 28: How to Strategize, Implement and Evaluate Your Campaign
FEDERAL MENSTRUAL EQUITY LEGISLATION
IMPLEMENTING PERIOD POLICIES
A bill is only successful if it is successfully implemented! Learn more about PERIOD.'s efforts to support implementation work across the country.
STATE ADVOCACY UPDATES
PERIOD. is connected with nonprofit and community partners across the country who are working to advance menstrual equity policies. Sign up to get connected with a local menstrual equity coalition.
NATIONAL COALITION TO END PERIOD POVERTY
The National Coalition to End Period Poverty is a nonpartisan group of national nonprofits, trade associations, and advocacy organizations promoting affordable access to menstrual products and ending period poverty in the United States through education, raising awareness, and driving policy change.
The coalition’s goals include reducing barriers and increasing access to affordable menstrual products, encouraging period-friendly bathrooms, raising public awareness about menstrual health, and advocating for national policies like providing free products in schools, prisons, shelters and public facilities. Find out more by reading our charter.
