Recognize Menstrual Products as Medical Necessities

The United States faces a problem: 1 in 4 teens have missed class because they lack period products, while 18 states continue to tax these essential items, such as pads, tampons, and other menstrual products. These taxes create affordability issues and force women to pay extra for basic health needs.

The unfair burden becomes a financial challenge for some individuals and widens the educational and economic inequality. We ask legislators to recognize menstrual products as medical necessities under federal legislation and to encourage all states to remove sales taxes on menstrual products.

Legislative Achievements

In May 2025, Alabama enacted HB 152, which provides a temporary sales and use tax exemption for menstrual hygiene products. The exemption takes effect on September 1, 2025, and expires on August 31, 2028.

In May 2025, the Missouri legislature passed HB 594, which eliminates the sales tax on period products. The governor signed the bill into law on July 10, 2025, and the exemption took effect on August 28, 2025.