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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY RESOLUTION
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HON. GRACE MENG
of new york
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate today as Menstrual
Hygiene Day. Since 2013, Menstrual Hygiene Day has been annually
celebrated on May 28th to raise awareness and catalyze political action
around the challenges menstruating women and girls face around the
world.
To support the goals and ideals of Menstrual Hygiene Day, last week,
I introduced H. Res. 406. This legislation highlights that: 500 million
women and girls around the world lack adequate facilities for menstrual
health and hygiene management; 1 in 3 girls around the world don't have
access to adequate toilets; and many others face social and cultural
restrictions during their periods. Additionally, displaced women and
adolescent girls--whether by conflict, climate, or natural disaster--
face significant barriers to managing monthly menstruation in a safe,
private, and dignified manner.
Here in the U.S., 25 million women live at or below the poverty line,
often without consistent access to menstrual hygiene products. A recent
survey of low-income women in a large U.S. city found that nearly two-
thirds of these women couldn't afford menstrual hygiene products during
the previous year. It is estimated that a woman may spend over $1,700
in her lifetime on tampons, a figure that is multiplied for women who
also support children who are menstruating. Additionally, incarcerated
women have illustrated that their dignity has been compromised when
they seek to access menstrual hygiene products. I have also heard
heartbreaking stories from girls whose schools fail to provide a
supportive environment for menstruating students, often resulting in
negative consequences.
Madam Speaker, no one should have to choose between their period or
their dignity. No girl should be forced to miss school because of her
period.
We must break the silence, raise awareness, and change negative
social norms surrounding menstrual hygiene here in the U.S. and around
the world. While Menstrual Hygiene Day is commemorated today, we must
fight to ensure menstrual equity for all--each and every day.
That is why this resolution recognizes the barriers vulnerable
populations face in accessing menstrual hygiene products, while
encouraging greater research, as well as integration of menstrual
hygiene services in global humanitarian and development activities
abroad.
I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and join me in
commemorating Menstrual Hygiene Day. I also urge support of H.R. 1882--
the Menstrual Equity For All Act, a bill which would comprehensively
address the challenges menstruating women and girls face.
Madam Speaker, access to safe, affordable menstrual hygiene products
is not just a basic health care right; it is a human right. Period.
____________________
