In Scotland, period products, including menstrual pads and tampons, are being provided free of charge, thanks to a landmark legislation passed by the Parliament in 2020.
Officially entering into force in August 2022, the Period Products Act marked a significant development in Edinburgh’s long-term campaign against period poverty, and made the country the first in the world to make such hygiene essentials free for all on a national scale.
For ‘anyone who needs them’
The said law mandates local authorities, education providers and public service bodies “to ensure period products (are) generally obtainable free of charge” by “anyone who needs them,” such as “pupils and students” and “persons in their premises.”
Within this context, the specified parties are also obligated to ensure the availability of said products in relevant places like pharmacies and community centres.
“Products must be easily obtained, in a way that respects people’s dignity, and a range of products must be made available,” reads an overview posted by the Scottish government.
The Act defines period products as “manufactured articles the purpose of which is to absorb or collect menstrual flow,” specifying them as “tampons, sanitary towels and articles which are reusable.”
The cited source informs that the law is built “on the existing voluntary provisions in education and community settings funded by the Scottish Government since 2018.”
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Eradication of period poverty
Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) Monica Lennon began floating the Period Products Bill in 2016, as part of her firm endeavour towards the eradication of period poverty – “the inability to afford and access menstrual products, sanitation and hygiene facilities and education and awareness to manage menstrual health,” as defined by United Nations.
Commenting on the unanimous passage of the bill in the Parliament in November 2020, Lennon regarded the historic move as “another big milestone for period dignity campaigners.”
“As the cost-of-living crisis takes hold, the Period Products Act is a beacon of hope which shows what can be achieved when politicians come together for the good of the people we serve,” she was quoted as saying by BBC.
“Proud of what we have achieved in Scotland,” Lennon lamented. “We are the first but won’t be the last.”
The situation across the globe
To date, Scotland remains the only documented country in the world that offers free, universal access to period products for all.
Other nations, including New Zealand, Kenya, Japan and parts of South Korea and Taiwan, are providing free period products to selected demographies, primarily to students and low-income individuals.
According to the UN Women’s report in 2025, period poverty affects approximately 500 million people around the world, with the “high cost of menstrual products and lack of water and sanitation facilities” being among the main causes.
“Period poverty is also perpetuated by stigma and the lack of information and education – not only do many girls and young women lack awareness and are unprepared for their periods, but policymakers and adults with decision-making power in schools and workplaces also lack comprehensive menstrual education,” reads the report.
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