---
title: Addressing Period Poverty in the United States
date: 2024-09-12T14:59:00-04:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/addressing-period-poverty-in-the-united-states"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Addressing Period Poverty in the United States

In this article, business reporter Érica Carnevalli discusses the effects of period poverty on girls and women. Too often low-income women and women living in poverty cannot afford the menstrual products that they need. Some women may stay out of work and risk their jobs, and girls may skip school and risk falling behind. This can also contribute to emotional stress.

Period poverty worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public spaces that provided period supplies were closed, and a shortage of supplies increased the prices. There are hopeful signs nevertheless. With menstrual education and legislation that addresses menstrual inequities, we can end period poverty.

States like New York have led such changes. New York ended the sales tax on period products, and it mandates that they be provided for free in schools, shelters, and prisons. In addition to policy changes, the work of organizations like No More Secrets/Spot Period, Her Village, and Flow Initiative also combat period poverty. The article features [Eiko La Boria](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/people/eiko-la-boria), an Our Bodies Ourselves content expert who founded the Flow Initiative.

> Period poverty is rampant in the US, with serious health and economic implications for women and girls. There were an estimated 16.9 million women who menstruate living in poverty in 2020, and a study conducted in 2017-2018 found almost two-thirds of women with low incomes in St Louis, Missouri, could not afford menstrual products. Nearly half sometimes had to choose between buying food or menstrual products.

[Read the full article ](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/05/period-poverty-menstruation-us)

SOURCE: The Guardian • AUTHOR: Érica Carnevalli • LAST UPDATED: April 5, 2023

![Packages of period products on a shelf at a store](data:image/png;base64,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) Tanya Keisha/Adobe Stock - [stock.adobe.com](http://stock.adobe.com/)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle)
- [ using period products](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/using-period-products)
- [ destigmatizing the menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/destigmatizing-the-menstrual-cycle)
- [economic inequalities](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/economic-inequalities)
- [period poverty](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/period-poverty)
- [menstrual products](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menstrual-products)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Period Poverty and How to Solve It

This article discusses the concept of period poverty around the world, with a focus on affordable menstrual products and the experiences of young menstruators.

![It cannot be this way What is period poverty and how to solve it jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article discusses the concept of period poverty around the world, with a focus on affordable menstrual products and the experiences of young menstruators.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/period-poverty-and-how-to-solve-it)

[ResourcesRead

## Now More Than Ever, It’s Time for Universal Menstrual Education

Our content expert Margaret Johnson co-authored this article that advocates for universal, comprehensive, in-depth menstrual education.

![pexels-rodnae-productions-4911023](data:image/png;base64,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)

Our content expert Margaret Johnson co-authored this article that advocates for universal, comprehensive, in-depth menstrual education.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/now-more-than-ever-its-time-for-universal-menstrual-education)

[ResourcesRead

## Suggested Policies and Programs That Could Address Period Poverty

How could federal policies and programs help address “period poverty"?

![Periods Dont Stop for Pandemics And Neither Have Our Nations Moms jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

How could federal policies and programs help address “period poverty"?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/suggested-policies-and-programs-that-could-address-period-poverty)

[ResourcesRead

## The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Making 'Period Poverty' Worse

COVID-19 has made accessing period products even more difficult for people living in poverty.

![The COVID 19 Pandemic Is Making Period Poverty Worse scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

COVID-19 has made accessing period products even more difficult for people living in poverty.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-covid-19-pandemic-is-making-period-poverty-worse)

[ResourcesLook

## A Brief History of Periods/Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.

![A Brief History of Periods:Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print](data:image/png;base64,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)

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-brief-history-of-periods-vagina-museum-period-exhibition-print)

[ResourcesRead

## A Menstrual Expert's Surprising Tips On How To Talk About Your Period

An interview with Dr. Inga Winkler about menstrual stigma – what it is, how it is perpetuated, and ways to combat it.

![A Menstrual Expert's Surprising Tips On How To Talk About Your Period](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAETklEQVRIiVWWXXbjuBKDP6DopDc+z3cRs8dJt1ss3IeiHCeH0ZFtCSDqB0X9879/IUnYO31xXf33mb/P/fzTf35fv79mPb++/v739fz68/z9fD7389KV2uuRj099ftavX/X56/Hrc318PD4+1uNRa1VZ8kIQBPMfkMh8AgmJ+0dJc5WFhEXmG94e+/m3PDAEKSIigypiRbJky+Uq7eVa7k5D0C6lhLFVwvcSHGpYy4KkNd8NqIzm2XJea1WvymOHUCi2nSWWXNiUXxwxh2aNBEgQKFGXut1l3YtVrOJRdMHC8o7jtrvMkpZcKmPzLYVIWo8SmfgI1KW0utRlz3oUXdpFlrKl2KpOxa1qm/XN8UYQC5H1YQEJSEFBHSfey9XeXdew9TLbtI3L1VlhU+1KmbIWKlyyo5OJSFof9U7g4I66Xe29yl3ucpazzbbaxsur+2o1brvtyZbqJE/+LpT1sURuAqk1HO54xzu1X+i0HZfq8u5eYeMeEfoOjQpZnJAzCpSEJjtND3q/VY+zTZvYKavKu/sKHe3ZkI2cV5EaSdMU62N5GjlS5MiNm9rpoja1U1eW1Vbb2SVv7+5KdjQPt2rePcWiU6TAerwp6CbzAu24KaeUJdpqKTbXlrevbid1ouSmgjOxx5FhPEDrsUxIctoYN9kppzetLKVNiaUjEpXU7U5HZkQ4VOMwHMqtYq0ygSSmN6GaCDeltNJKwYJIYYqkPQQ7CHU0CprKWQbnmwDSSTAMuuKdk1dSpElDMjtr0b0TgqJGPfEcjgz6MYtVo+BkYQyplJCmD3TSRYcUiUZYJyEcT4uFQ+lGD56fVtnMQOjbBRPsuFKdOG27Uu2kiU8qOhPYadhJw6ExeVPgupMMDU5ScZx27LZVk4xS5eX/kjUhQo4beTYe85YA0JKLZPzO0IkS2fccOL2PTRsXgUyyxn6Vu7vO9s/eJ0Qs+VQR3XFI1GEQbTQeP+ieYkt37CQ55WiQ8HC8fRSwkM84GM9TcGPx7ViOdPd5IlpqiE5VTXPBGVLc83Qm5cooIBE4dCK/0Kc5G7fcTF/QSkOjPg5/h3Gm4LkeM1rIs/lTQOpIjeY6QPe9Ntp4ky11GOv9Rr+vkj2lAKtlIGTKMzrtPtrfab7RyUYtNeYGtWtqQbIlywKhFYwIHbmVnnCf9w/6jnbY6HVzZeIzxmS5JGdmvyxrDg6SRkESB6I07p/oszY3NFxDhnOPGKtk24Ut+zSKZLFO/6r7NZPfoHe0ow33xnNFF2zcGVu2MbJVR4Et6+ZhRSYJDnnbO406vGh6OKKdXNE+JfSqy+ozcIxrimhUrEaI44woEOaeHyHKiOA62dYo8PTXPQ3jQpbECRRrzqUDeopybnLIOrxJoUcH6nOW1bHPe2TyQrckrcA4ymvjP27Gkl80oSdc0AhOnU7+jgUNjYfsKDjoc6DOfTDOj6VvlWfSnNF4tsg5CZ2D+DSa+D+ywGqmeUH5fwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)

An interview with Dr. Inga Winkler about menstrual stigma – what it is, how it is perpetuated, and ways to combat it.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-menstrual-experts-surprising-tips-on-how-to-talk-about-your-period)

[ResourcesRead

## A National Paid Leave Program Would Help Workers, Families

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities examines the benefits that would result from a national paid parental leave program.

![22 A National Paid Leave Program Would Help Workers Families 22 scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities examines the benefits that would result from a national paid parental leave program.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-national-paid-leave-program-would-help-workers-families)

[ResourcesRead

## Aging & Inequity

Economic insecurity and inequity magnify over time for many women, especially marginalized women. What policies could address this problem?

![mehmet-turgut-kirkgoz-11890772](data:image/png;base64,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)

Economic insecurity and inequity magnify over time for many women, especially marginalized women. What policies could address this problem?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/aging-and-inequity)