Should feminine hygiene products be free?

[PeasOff]

What do you think?

Obviously that would then bring up the logistical side of things such as how to get them/how often you get them ect...

No. Why would they be? Nappies aren’t free.

Only at food banks, homeless shelters, DV & rape sanctuaries.

They should be free for some people who are eligible (whatever that eligibility is). Yes.

I think cloth nappies should have a free starter pack too.

I don't think they should be free but I think there should be inexpensive options and not taxed. I did like that when my mum worked for a supermarket all staff got 50% off own brand sanitary products, and they were already very reasonable. Lots of companies now provide them in work toilets, I think schools should do the same (they might I just haven't been in a secondary school for decades)

No - if you apply this rule then lots of things should be free surely?

No we can’t make everything free there is an economic crisis. There should be a provision for people who are in absolute poverty yes. The government can’t start subsidising toilet roll and nappies and baby wipes either

not for everyone no as some people the issue of paying for them does not apply.
i think all schools should be providing them for pupils.
same for places like prisons women's refuges and similar
free at food banks
but also a sort of voucher system maybe with universal credit to allow women to go to a shop to purchase them
all the above should be provided by the Goverment of course it may not be perfect but hopefully it will be able to cover those who need it

Toilet papers not free, food isn’t free, clean water isn’t free. All kinds of life essentials aren’t free. The medication that keeps me alive isn’t free come to that.

So no, I don’t see why sanitary protection should be free in general.

I think a scheme for free sanitary products for school aged children should definitely be encouraged.

No. Food isn't free, medicines aren't free.

I spend about £2 a month on sanitary products. It's nothing.

No.

Nothing is free. It’s paid for somewhere so to make this “free” something else would need be cut.

They should be free for school/college children. It's not their fault if they have parents that refuse to buy any/enough sanitary products and they often won't have the money to buy their own.

In Scotland there are free period products in toilets in schools, sports centres, other public buildings. At the health centre you can ask for full packets at the front reception desk.

No of course not. Why should they be?

No but they should be capped. The price of Always is a joke. Bodyform are much more reasonable and are mercifully unscented.

Why would you suggest that? And what is it about sanitary products that distinguishes them from other essential products?

Nothing is free someone is paying

It’s something I usually put in the food bank collections. We had a collection at work and I bought soap, toothpaste and sanitary towels as these are essential too. Maybe buy a pack when shopping and put it in the food bank bin.

They shouldn’t be free but they should not be taxed. I think having them available in schools is fair but nowhere else. We do have a scheme at work which is 24/7 emergency setting for women who are caught short or can’t get to a shop during their tour of duty to buy products.

I think they should be free (fully funded by the government) and available from schools for any girl who is unable to access feminine hygiene products at home. I know of too many girls who weren’t supported at home (for a whole host of reasons) and had to create makeshift pads to try and soak up the blood. No child should have to do that.

However, at population level, no…everyone else needs to be buying their own feminine hygiene products.

I don't think this is the big issue people like to make out, they aren't that much to buy. I feel like they should be treated like any necessities of life- painkillers, body wash, toilet paper, nappies. Obviously it's great when food banks/ hospitals/ schools/ workplaces have a few period products on hand to give out if people are caught short.

I think why this wouldn’t be possible is because there are too many variables in what products people prefer. You couldn’t offer a standard tampon or pad and expect it to suit everyone. Alternatively the cost of manufacturing so many options would stop any possibility of free sanitary products

Like funded by the NHS via prescriptions or something? I actually think this could work because you can get paracetamol, ibuprofen etc on prescription if you're struggling but most people just buy it over the counter. And if you pay for your prescriptions then period products wouldn't be free for you so it's a reasonable means test. But doesn't really need a GP input. Maybe you could just request it via the NHS app.

People don't get paracetamol on prescription because they're financially struggling they get it because off the quantity they need.

Clothes aren't free, shoes aren't free, somewhere to live isn't free.

This is why people who aren't able to work or who can't find work are supported through Benefits. Asda sell a 10 pack of own brand towels for 41p, even the branded Bodyform is 12 for £1. 32 own brand tampons for £1.25.

Period products are not expensive.