Women across the United States are paying tax on products that are essential for our health. Nebraska is among 31 states that still have a tax on feminine hygiene products. Like many states, Nebraska considers tampons to be a "luxury good" rather than the necessity that they really are. Women should not be taxed on a recurring biological process that not only costs us, but causes us pain and discomfort routinely.

The tampon tax is a contributing factor to the "pink tax," which is the concept that women are having to pay more for personal hygiene than men. Collectively, women in the US are paying about $150 million extra every year on feminine products. This is outrageous as some states even exempt men's hair growth products from taxes. It is time for tampons to be recognized as something other than a luxury.

People with lower income are especially impacted by the tampon tax. There is no excuse for something so necessary to be unaffordable. It is the government's job to ensure that everyone has access to resources that are essential. If women do not have access to these products, they stand the risk of infections and other health risks. Eliminating the tampon tax would help these women to be able to afford to take care of their bodies. A tax on tampons is a tax on women.