In 1998, Robin Danielson was in the prime of her life. Then Toxic Shock Syndrome, a deadly infection connected to tampon use, took it from her. Her death could have been prevented, and now we are working to honor her and better protect the health of the millions of American women who use feminine care products.

Unfortunately, discussing feminine hygiene products is often considered taboo, and because of this, there is a terrifying reality that is going unnoticed: manufacturers are not required to do any testing on the safety or long-term effects of these products before they are sold and used by consumers.

As a result, feminine hygiene products like tampons, pads, douches, wipes and sprays can contain harmful ingredients linked to cancer, reproductive harm like infertility and birth defects, and endocrine disruption. This is a critical women’s health issue that has been overlooked, until now.

Named in honor of Robin, The Robin Danielson Feminine Hygiene Safety Act would require the National Institute of Health to do independent research into the safety of chemical additives used in these products. This bill has already been brought before Congress nine times, but has never been passed — that is unacceptable.

Over the course of our lifetimes, the average woman will use about 17,000 tampons and pads, often starting before the age of 13. These products are in our lives for decades, and each year the companies that make them make more than $2 billion dollars in profits.

It is very simple: women deserve to have this very basic — but very important — research done on the impact the chemicals in feminine care products are having on our health, especially when used in products that come into contact with one of the most vulnerable areas of our body.

It is time that our elected officials act to ensure our health and safety. Please join me in calling on Congress to pass the Robin Danielson Act today.