When entering a public bathroom the average person has an expectation, to be supplied with the necessary products. Public restrooms will almost always provide toilet paper, soap and paper towels for your personal use, and entirely for free. This is a privilege taken for granted, as in women’s restrooms there is one missing essential. 

     The discussion regarding menstruation is still a taboo one, leading to lack of information about it and resources. Many public restrooms don’t even have tampon machines, with 86% of menstruators starting their monthly in public without access to supplies. Even when there is a machine, only 8% said it worked every time without fault. Tampon machines not only work about as often as the McDonald’s ice cream machine, they require quarters, which little of the population carry anymore. 

     While it is still an issue, change is being made! And the change to supplying free tampons is quite an easy one! California, Illinois and New York are the first among 5 states who have passed laws mandating free menstrual products for students, and many businesses are making the switch. The switch has shown an increase of female attendance by 3% and overall provides a more comfortable atmosphere.

     The concern of costs over free sanitary products is easily addressed. The costs per female student every year is about 4$, the price of a cup of coffee. Sourcing the products is also very easy as there are a good handful of companies dedicated to this sort of situation. Aunt Flow is a female founded enterprise that  provides free dispensers and 100% organic cotton products that are eco friendly. Preferably the budget would come from the same money that goes towards stocking toilet paper and paper towels, but may also come from Student government or student organizations. 
 
      I myself have struggles through the embarrassment and lack of essential supplies, and have been helpless to help other peers. Overall, the goal is to achieve free sanitary products for menstruating individuals in every public bathroom, but for now let’s start small. Please sign and help establish this necessity for my school.