The cost of feminine hygiene products really add up over several decades of a women’s menstrual cycle, and not being able to afford them is detrimental.
By Shirley Lew
AsAmNews New York Correspondent
Congresswoman Grace Meng of Queens, NY wants feminine hygiene products to be accessible and affordable for all women. She also wants these products to be eligible for purchase under a flexible spending plan. Meng already submitted the legislation to the House of Representative’s Ways and Means Committee.
A flexible spending account allows for an employee to set aside up to $2,500 of untaxed income from their paycheck for typically medical or child care expenses.
“Not having access to sanitary feminine hygiene products can cause health problems for women, and purchasing these items is a continuous and costly expense that females must bear for much of their lives, from when menstruation begins at about age 12 to the time menopause at approximately 54 years of age,” said Meng.
“These items are not a luxury, but “essential to our health and allows to perform our daily activities in school, work and in our communities despite our bodily functions, “ said New York Council Member Julissa Ferrars-Copeland.
Copeland also wants feminine hygiene products to be free and available in all New York City public schools.
In early January, Newsweek reported that assemblywomen Cristina Garcia and Ling Ling Chang, both of California, introduced a measure that would make feminine hygiene products tax free as medical necessities in their state.
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