A new study from Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., has uncovered a troubling reality: one in three teenagers and young adults in the United States face significant challenges accessing menstrual products. This issue, known as “period poverty,” affects young people across diverse demographics, irrespective of race, ethnicity, neighborhood, or health insurance status.
Dr. Monika Goyal, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist and co-director of the Center for Translational Research at Children’s National, expressed surprise at the study’s findings. “We were really surprised by how widespread of an issue this is,” Goyal remarked. The study’s results will be presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday, though they have yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
The research surveyed 1,816 individuals aged 13 to 21 who visited the emergency room at Children’s National between mid-January and June of this year. Participants who reported having used rags or tissues during their periods or lacking funds to purchase tampons or pads were classified as experiencing period poverty.
Goyal emphasized that these findings highlight a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents of being unprepared for an early cycle. “This is about having difficulty affording menstrual health products,” she said. The study aligns with recent data from NielsenIQ, which reported nearly a 10% increase in tampon prices and over an 8% rise in pad prices in 2022.
Among the surveyed individuals, 597—approximately 32.9%—reported struggling with period poverty. This figure represents a significant rise from previous estimates. Dr. Shelby Davies, an attending physician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, suggested that increased societal awareness might account for the higher reported rates. “We are likely underrepresenting the issue,” Davies noted, emphasizing that earlier statistics may have been skewed by limited reporting.
The consequences of period poverty extend beyond physical health, potentially increasing the risk of bacterial infections and impacting mental health. The lack of access to menstrual products can lead to school absences and affect participation in social and sports activities.
In response to the crisis, some states are implementing legislation to improve access to menstrual products in schools. Starting in 2024, Minnesota will require public schools to provide free menstrual products to students from fourth grade onward. Similar initiatives are underway in Alabama, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, and New Mexico.
Dr. Goyal advocates for a broader approach to addressing menstrual product accessibility. “Women’s health in general has been deprioritized,” she said. “Just like toilet paper is readily available in all restrooms, we’d love to see improved access to free menstrual products everywhere.”
Incorporating these changes could significantly alleviate the challenges faced by many young people and ensure equitable access to essential health products.
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