Reps. Meng, Maloy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Curb Period Poverty

"U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Celeste Maloy (R-UT) Wednesday introduced the Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act – a bipartisan bill addressing period poverty in American communities by supporting donations of menstrual products. Currently, certain menstrual products like tampons are considered "Class 2" medical products, and this designation deters the donation of these items. Liability concerns, even for products donated in good faith, limit both the variety and availability of menstrual products for those in need. This legislation would provide liability protection for individuals, manufacturers, and distributors that donate menstrual products in good faith, as well as for the nonprofit groups that receive and distribute them. It is modeled after the Good Samaritan Food Donations Act, a bill enacted in 1996 that created a liability exemption for food and household donations. “Period poverty is an unthinkable challenge for far too many Americans,” said Congresswoman Meng. “It impacts individuals’ self-perception, mental health, educational opportunities, and economic well-being. It can also be detrimental to their physical health, as the risk of infections increase with use of substitutions, such as paper towels or toilet paper, or because of an inability to change products as frequently as recommended. Today, one in four teenagers and one in three adults report struggling to secure menstrual products. Every day costs are continuing to rise, and it is more important than ever that we ensure everyone who needs menstrual products can access them. Our Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act would help address this need by easing restrictions on charitable donations of these products. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we fight to end period poverty once and for all.” "Donating essential hygiene products is a meaningful way to support women and girls who rely on nonprofit partners,” said Congresswoman Maloy. “This bill ensures donors can contribute openly and without legal risk, strengthening the network of help in our communities." Read more.