Why this petition matters

Every day, women and girls contribute enormously to our families, communities, workplaces and society.

They care. They work. They educate. They nurture. They lead. They build families and communities. Women also experience menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth — natural parts of life that can carry significant physical, emotional and financial demands.

Yet one unavoidable part of life can come with a cost that returns month after month, year after year: menstrual products.

Tampons, sanitary towels and other period products are not luxuries. They are essential products needed to manage a natural biological process.

Nobody chooses to have a period. Nobody can simply switch it off.

So why should anyone have to worry about whether they can afford the products they need to manage it?

A woman or girl should not have to miss school, work, college, social activities or everyday life because she cannot afford sanitary products.

She should never have to improvise with unsuitable materials because she has run out.

And she should never feel embarrassed, ashamed or less worthy because of something completely natural.

This is about dignity.

England already provides free period products in schools and colleges, recognising that lack of access can become a barrier to education.

But we believe access should not depend on where someone happens to be or whether they are currently attending an educational institution or receiving NHS care.

Scotland has already introduced legislation providing free access to period products for those who need them.

We believe England should consider a universal approach too.

Women deserve respect throughout their lives.

Women deserve recognition for everything they have contributed to society in the past, everything they contribute today, and everything they will contribute to future generations.

Women are mothers, daughters, sisters, partners, carers, workers, professionals, leaders, friends and so much more.

They help raise families, support communities, build businesses, care for others and shape the future.

This petition is about recognising that contribution with something simple:

Dignity. Respect. Support.

This is not about putting women above men.

It is about recognising a biological reality and removing an unnecessary financial barrier to managing it.

Our demand

We are calling on the UK Government to introduce universal free access to essential period products through an NHS-supported national scheme.

This should include appropriate access to sanitary towels, tampons and suitable reusable menstrual products, allowing women and girls to choose what works for them.

Products should be available through accessible, discreet and dignified distribution points, including appropriate NHS and community settings.

Our message is simple:

Periods are natural.

Period products are essential.

Dignity should not depend on your bank balance.

Women should not have to pay simply to manage a natural biological process.

They deserve respect for everything they have done before now, everything they do today, and everything they will continue to do throughout our lives and for generations to come.

Please sign this petition and support the call for free essential period products through the NHS.

NO WOMAN SHOULD PAY FOR HER PERIOD.