In Connecticut, 1 in 8 women and girls between the ages of 12 and 44 lives below the Federal Poverty Level, and almost 60% of families living in poverty struggle to keep up with their bills and cover unexpected expenses. A monthly period is not unexpected, but products can be expensive. Pads and tampons are simple necessities, yet many across Connecticut are going without them. The cost of these products makes them inaccessible for many low-income individuals struggling to make ends meet. Many often forgo menstrual products to afford other basic necessities. Without tampons or pads, people resort to using rags, toilet paper, or even adult diapers.
A 2018 U by Kotex survey conducted with YouGov found
Without period supplies, women miss work
One in five low-income women reports missing work or similar commitments due to lack of access to period supplies.
Receiving period supplies help students stay in school
One in four teens in the U.S. has missed school due to the lack of period supplies. In Connecticut, 40% of female public school students in grades 7 through 12 attend Title 1-eligible schools, meaning they have high concentrations of student poverty.
Period supplies are necessities, not luxuries
An overwhelming 88% of women agree that period products are basic necessities.
