A new poll found that a majority of Americans believe menstrual supplies — items like pads and tampons — should be available free of charge in public schools and universities.
The poll was connected by YouGov on behalf of the Alliance for Period Supplies, a nonprofit that works to end period poverty.
The survey found that 76% of people surveyed either agreed or strongly agreed that menstrual supplies should be available for free. Nearly 1 in 4 students in the United States struggle to afford period supplies, yet they aren’t eligible purchases under nutrition programs known as SNAP or WIC, nor are they covered by Medicaid.
A growing number of students are now getting their first period before age 12, according to a study published in JAMA.
In Arizona, schools are not required to provide menstrual products.
