While schools require to provide free menstrual products under House Bill 20 (2021-2022), not enough Delaware students receive information about menstrual development and education. This causes stigma, improper use of products, inaccurate information about the female body, and can even create health risks without knowing the facts. 

We request upon the Delaware General Assembly to pass a bill—Delaware Health Menstrual Education Act—that requires grades 4-12 to be provided age-appropriate menstrual health education lessons in the school curriculum. These lessons shall be taught in a stigma-free and respectful environment.  

Starting to educate students at grade 4 will ensure they receive age appropriate information before experiencing the stages of puberty. This will prepare students to go through these changes more confidently, ready, and reduce the confusion and anxiety. 

Grades 4-5 - Students will get an easy-to-understand introduction to the female reproductive system and learn what a period is and why it happens. The lessons would cover period hygiene, (such as how to use products) and provide basic knowledge to normalize periods from an early age. 

Grades 6-8 - Students will have more in-depth education of the menstrual cycle (hormones, ovulation, etc.) and will be taught how to track their cycle and why it’s important. They will also be taught symptoms management and address the stigma towards menstrual development. Students would also be given resources that allow access to menstrual products. These lessons teaches the students about the biological understanding of the female system.

Grades 9-12 - Students will now be educated on advanced menstrual cycle topics such as fertility, cycle variations, and menstrual disorders. Lessons would teach students how to advocate for reduced stigma while ensuring access to menstrual products via given resources. These lessons allow students to become empowered and have an advanced understanding of reproductive health. 

Overall, this bill would allow:

• Allow understanding of the female body
• Reduce the current barriers and stigma
• Increase awareness of menstrual development and disorders
•  Promote menstrual health and equity.
• Give students resources to access to menstrual products 

Supporting this bill will allow every student in the state of Delaware to have the knowledge and ability to stay informed and healthy.