AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature unanimously voted Wednesday to pass a measure sponsored by Rep. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, that would require certain schools to provide free menstrual products to students.
LD 452 would ease the burden on students in need of these products and would specifically require schools that serve students in grades 6 to 12 make free menstrual products available in all school bathrooms. The legislation would address the issue of "period poverty" defined as the lack of access to menstrual products due to financial constraints and the stigma around menstruation.
A 2019 analysis found that one in five teens could not afford period products and that one in four missed class because of it. An estimated 14% of children in Maine are living in poverty.
"A lack of access to menstrual products creates very real inequities that we, as lawmakers, can help to reduce," said Tepler. "I am grateful to have the support of my colleagues in the Legislature, and I hope members of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee will join in supporting this measure through the provision of needed funding."
A longtime advocate on issues related to menstrual equity and period poverty, Tepler has worked for seven years to remove sales tax from these products.
Tepler is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and represents District 54, all of Topsham. She serves as the House chair of the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Tepler] c. 812-1111