The Scottish government said it became the first in the world to legally protect the right to access free period products.
Tampons, a panty liner and a sanitary napkin from different manufacturers are on one table. Photo: Annette Riedl/dpa A law has taken effect in Scotland to ensure period products are available free of charge to anyone who needs them.
Under the new law, schools, colleges and universities as well as local government bodies must make a range of period products such as tampons and sanitary pads available for free in their bathrooms. The Scottish government already invested millions of pounds since 2017 to fund free period products in educational institutions, but the law makes it a legal requirement.
"Providing access to free period products is fundamental to equality and dignity, and removes the financial barriers to accessing them," Scottish Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said. The bill, which was passed unanimously in 2020, was introduced by Scottish Parliament lawmaker Monica Lennon, who had campaigned against "period poverty" — when someone who needs sanitary products can’t afford them.