Periods are difficult, especially your first. You don’t know when or where it’s going to happen, or what you’re supposed to do when it happens. What products do you even use? You probably used whatever your mom or older sister had laying around. But do you know what ingredients are in these products? Do you know how they can affect your health in the long run?

Recent studies conducted in 2020 have shown that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and other extremely toxic chemicals are commonly found in pads and tampons. EDCs are substances that interfere with your endocrine system (the system that regulates your body's metabolism, energy level, reproduction, growth and development) and are known to disrupt hormones, cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders. Most tampons and pads are made with conventional cotton which is grown with toxic pesticides and is often bleached with chlorine. Chlorine bleach-emitting byproducts, like dioxins and furans, are also shown to be linked to cancer and are very common EDCs. One 2002 study found dioxins and furans in four out of four brands of tampons tested. Other harmful chemicals like pesticide residues, plastics, and synthetic fragrances are also found in pads and tampons and are linked to cancer, birth defects, vaginal dryness, genital tumors, yeast infections, and even infertility. Consumers need to have transparency in the products they purchase and use. Sure there may be some products that can’t be created without these chemicals, but consumers should be made aware of the presence of these chemicals and their potential risks. Science proves that the inner and outer vagina rapidly absorbs chemicals, causing it to be much more sensitive to chemicals in feminine hygiene products, and the effects these chemicals may bring. In fact, the skin in the vagina is up to 10 times more permeable than normal skin! Period product companies aren’t required to disclose and list the ingredients used in their products because the FDA categorizes them as medical purpose devices. As a woman, I should know what exactly I'm putting into my body, especially in my most sensitive area. Just like I have the right to know what ingredients are used in my shampoo and food, I also have the right to know what ingredients are being absorbed by my vagina. Women’s bodies are not a shield from corrupt business practices!

In 2019, New York became the first and only state to pass a law requiring all period product makers to disclose the ingredients used in their products. California followed suit in 2020. The federal government claims to be completely behind equal rights until it comes down to actually giving equal rights. How can period products be considered both a luxury and a medical device? According to the U.S. federal government, bleeding out for up to 8 days and blocking the blood with a cotton rod filled with chemicals we don’t even know are there is the epitome of pure luxury. The federal government should use New York and California as an example of stepping up against sexism and pass the Menstrual Products Right to Know Act of 2019 which would prohibit the sale of a menstrual product in the U.S. unless the menstrual product and the manufacturer of the menstrual product comply with the specified labeling requirements. Menstrual products would be labeled as misbranded if their labeling does not list each ingredient or component of the product. Rep. Grace Meng introduced the bill to Congress on April 10, 2019. This is a pressing issue, so I am calling on the U.S. Congress to pass the Menstrual Products right to know act. While this won’t fix the problem of toxic chemicals in feminine products, it’s a step in the right direction for true gender equality.