Living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been a challenging journey for me. It affects my physical and emotional wellbeing every month. I am not alone in this struggle—many of my family members suffer from painful menstrual conditions such as endometriosis. These conditions not only cause physical pain but also come with the added stress of managing monthly expenses for necessary period products.

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, access to free period products is not a luxury—it is an essential need. Thousands of women face period poverty, where they are forced to choose between buying food or sanitary products. This is an unacceptable reality in a society striving for equality and fairness.

Statistics show that 1 in 10 women in the UK are unable to afford period products, leading to health risks, missed opportunities, and a significant impact on their overall quality of life. Scotland has already taken a bold step by offering free period products to anyone who needs them, setting a precedent that the rest of the UK should follow. By implementing similar measures, we can alleviate the financial burden many women face and ensure dignity and health for all.

I urge the governments of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to make period products freely accessible in schools, universities, and public spaces, just like Scotland has done. This is a necessary step towards acknowledging the critical need for menstrual hygiene management and reducing the stigma associated with menstruation.

Together, we can make a difference. By signing this petition, you stand for health, dignity, and equality for all women and girls across these regions. Let's come together to urge our policymakers to take action in making period poverty a thing of the past.