Key findings
- Period poverty refers to lack of access and affordability of menstrual products; lifetime costs in Ohio can reach almost $3,000 for individuals.
- Limited access to menstrual products can contribute to school absenteeism, poor academic performance, and adverse health outcomes
- Nationally, around 14.2% of college women and 24% of teenagers face period poverty.
- Black, Latino, low-income, and LGBTQIA+ individuals experience higher rates of period poverty, with disproportionate impacts on concentration and mental health.
- Medicaid and private insurance do not cover menstrual products, though some accounts like HSAs, FSAs, and HRAs can be used to pay for them; some Medicaid managed care plans offer allowances for personal care items.
- More Ohio-specific research, adopting laws similar to other states, advocating for federal legislation, and supporting local nonprofits that distribute menstrual products are key strategies to combat period poverty.
What is period poverty?
The first health issue in the reproductive health series is period poverty. Period poverty refers to limited access to menstrual products, sanitation facilities, and education. According to scholars, there are several types of period poverty. Besides access and affordability, other categories include the embarrassment/fear of embarrassment, loneliness, environmental (lack of items and sanitary facilities), and cultural alienation. The high prices of period products limit many individuals’ ability to afford them. An Ohioan can spend $2,882.88 on period products throughout their lifetime. Due to the significant challenges of period poverty, there is a need to explore this public health issue in more detail.
How does period poverty show up across the lifespan? What do policy and legislation look like at the national, state, and local levels? How do health disparities present among racial and identity groups? Is health insurance keeping up with initiatives to cover period products? What solutions should we be ultimately advocating for?
