𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

The Government has provided an update on calls for it to provide certain healthcare products free of charge. Campaigners had urged the UK Government to supply sanitary products such as pads and tampons for no cost.

The petition, entitled “fund free female sanitary products for all women and girls” has, at the time of reporting, garnered more than 19,000 signatures, prompting a written response from the Government. In the petition, creator Jamie-Leigh Purdon wrote: “I would [urge] the Government or Parliament to help get female sanitary products free for all women and girls. One in 10 young women has been unable to afford sanitary wear at some point.

“According to a study by Plan International UK, one in 10 girls and young women aged 14 to 21 has been unable to afford sanitary wear at some point. This situation exacerbates the issues surrounding period poverty, leading to negative impacts on women’s health, education, and emotional wellbeing.”

On July 17, the Cabinet Office provided a written response. It said it was already “committed” to ensuring people had access to period products, and named schemes such as the Period Products scheme launched in 2020.

“We are tackling the underlying causes that can make period products unaffordable,” it said. “By protecting women’s living standards, and the public services they use, we can ensure access to life’s essentials.

“We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to essential items, including period products. There are a number of schemes across Government which ensure that those who are most vulnerable can access the products they need.

“The Department for Education’s Period Products scheme, launched in 2020, provides free period products to girls and women in their place of study. All state-maintained primary and secondary schools, and DfE-funded 16-19 educational organisations in England, are eligible.

“The range includes period pads, tampons and sustainable options such as period pants. This scheme supports girls and women in their place of study by helping to reduce anxiety associated with coming on a period unexpectedly or lack of access to products due to affordability.”

It added that “all women and girls” being cared for by the NHS are “entitled to be given”, on request, appropriate period products free of charge. However, it said: “It is up to each organisation to decide if they wish to offer free products.”

You can read the full response as well as the petition online here. If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.