The tampon tax is a term used to describe the fact that tampons as well as other feminine hygiene products are subject to a value-added tax. Menstrual products—such as tampons, sanitary napkins, menstrual cups, and comparable products—are, therefore, considered luxury items, and not tax exempt necessities.

By signing this petition, women and others alike argue that such menstrual products constitute as basic, unavoidable necessities that should be made tax exempt. Feminine hygiene is not a choice and the tampon tax further elucidates the issue of sex-based discrimination.

To clarify, period poverty refers to the reality that the actual cost of menstrual products are often too expensive for women and girls below the poverty line to afford. In some cases, women have to resort to using items such as toilet paper, rags, or cloth as substitutes for such menstrual products. As a woman, I have definitely found myself struggling to buy basic feminine hygiene products at one point or another. According to Sharma (2019), "Close to 12 million women across the U.S. aged between 12 to 52 live below poverty line, and most of them don't have access to sanitary pads. Currently, neither tampons or pads are available through government assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid."

In California, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a plan to eliminate the tax on tampons as well as diapers. However, the exemption will only last two years, in contrast to a law, which would be in place permanently. Our goal is to extend such exemption into a California law.

Help end period poverty by signing this petition.
What do we want? TAMPONS!
When do we want them? SOMETIME THIS MONTH!

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