MSPs are to vote on eradicating period poverty in Scotland today. 

If passed through Holyrood, The Period Products Bill would lead Scotland to become the first country in the world to introduce free and universal access to menstrual necessities. 

The bill, introduced by Labour MSP Monica Lennon, would mean that the Scottish Government would become legally obliged to ensure that free period products would be available to anybody in the country who needs them. 

Monica Lennon said the “world-leading” and “ground-breaking” law would enshrine the dignity of Scots by ensuring nobody would go without the necessity.

Glasgow Times:

If passed, free menstrual products would become accessible in schools, colleges and universities. 

Monica Lennon, who is also Scottish Labour’s health and social care spokesperson, introduced her Member’s Bill in 2019 following years of campaigning. 

She said she remains optimistic that Scotland will finalise the progressive step and that other countries will take heed. 

Monica Lennon 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 ground-breaking 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.

Glasgow Times:

“Thanks to a bold grassroots 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.”

Consultation on a draft proposal for the Bill took place in 2017 and 96 per cent of respondents expressed support.

She paid tribute to supporters of the campaign: “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.”