The tampon tax affects women across America by adding on an economic burden, forcing them to turn to less hygienic alternatives, and making millions of women victims to period poverty, the inability to afford or access sufficient menstrual products. On average, women spend eighty-four dollars per year on tampons, adding up to thousands of dollars throughout a lifetime. For lower class women with low-income jobs, this puts such an economic strain on them that they don’t buy sanitary products at all, which can lead to an increased risk of numerous health issues such as urinary tract infection, bacterial vaginosis, or toxic shock syndrome. One in four women in America report that they are struggling to afford pads and tampons, and lack of access to these products alter their lifestyles drastically. 38 percent of women miss work or school when on their cycle, and this can take an extreme educational and mental toll. About 49 percent of women who experience period poverty also report having anxiety and depression, limiting their quality of life. In 2022, the price of tampons increased by 10 percent each month, and even though sixteen million women in America struggle to afford necessary products, the sales tax on menstrual products continues to range from 4 percent to 7 percent across the United States.

Recently, the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2023 was introduced to the House of Representatives with a purpose to expand access to menstrual products, prohibit states from taxing these items, and provide grants to support the distribution of free pads and tampons to schools, correctional facilities, shelters, and employment centers. As many signatures as possible are necessary to raise awareness to the gravity of this issue so that this act may be passed as quickly as possible.