Urges United States President to expand access to menstrual products in schools.
Impact
By advocating for the provision of menstrual products in schools, ACR117 aims to address the issue of 'period poverty'—the inability to access menstrual hygiene products, facilities, and education. This resolution suggests that expanding Title IX to include provisions for menstrual products would help reduce disparities in educational opportunities based on sex. Title IX already prohibits discrimination in education; thus, ensuring access to menstrual products aligns with the law's intent to support all students' needs.
Summary
ACR117 is a Concurrent Resolution introduced in New Jersey that urges the President of the United States to expand access to menstrual products in schools. The bill acknowledges the importance of menstrual health in relation to students' education and highlights how lack of access to such products can directly affect attendance and participation in school activities. More than half of menstruating high school students reported being late, leaving early, or missing school days due to insufficient menstrual items, which illustrates the need for this legislation.
Contention
One notable aspect of the discussion around ACR117 is the health implications associated with the lack of access to menstrual products. Students resorting to makeshift alternatives can face serious health risks, including infections and toxic shock syndrome. The bill posits that ensuring free menstrual products in schools could mitigate these risks, while also fostering a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for individuals who menstruate. Opponents may argue about funding or implementation logistics, but the resolution emphasizes that supporting menstruating students is a critical issue of equality and public health.
"McElroy-Brown Hygiene and Menstrual Care Access Act; enact to establish program to provide students access to free hygiene and menstrual care products.