Vote to back universal access to period products "another step forward in reducing stigma and strengthening equality"

Children in Scotland has welcomed the unanimous passing of the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill in Holyrood this evening.

The legislation makes Scotland the first country in the world to offer universal, free period products and will ensure that free period products can now be accessed by anyone who needs them, including in schools, colleges and universities.

Children in Scotland has consistently supported the universal right to free period products and, along with more than 30 other organisations, signed an open letter to MSPs in January 2020 urging them to back this legislation and pass the Members’ Bill.

Following the vote, Amy Woodhouse, Children in Scotland’s Head of Policy, Projects and Participation said:

“Huge congratulations to Monica Lennon and everyone who has campaigned to get us to this point.

"As a country we should be committed to reducing inequalities wherever they are found. By establishing a universal right to free period products, we take another small but important step on that journey.  And in doing so, we also help to remove some of the stigma and taboo associated with periods and menstruation.

"We can be proud that Scotland is showing international leadership here".

The Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament by Labour MSP Monica Lennon in 2019 following years of campaigning on the issue.