Scotland becomes world's first country to make pads and tampons free
Updated 2:38 pm EST Nov. 24, 2020
With passage of new legislation Tuesday, Scotland will become the world's first country to make period products free for anyone who needs them.
The Scottish Parliament unanimously passed the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill — which is designed to create a legal obligation for the government to ensure sanitary products are free and accessible for all who menstruate, including tampons and pads in public facilities nationwide.
According to estimates from the Scottish government, the cost to implement the legislation will be about £24 million annually (almost $32 million).
The Bill was introduced by Scottish Parliament member Monica Lennon. Lennon's aim was to tackle "period poverty," and aid those who need menstrual products but struggle to afford them.
"A proud day for Scotland and a signal to the world that free universal access to period products can be achieved," Lennon tweeted Tuesday.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-26/scotland-to-approve-free-sanitary-products-for-all-women/12000882
