Massachusetts NOW Rally to End Period Poverty
by Patrick Wilson
On Thursday, October 5th, 2023, the Massachusetts Menstrual Equity Coalition (MMEC) will hold a rally at the State House to support the I AM Bill to Increase Access to Menstrual Products (H. 534/S. 1381). The bill is currently being considered by the Public Health Committee, and the MMEC is urging supporters to attend the rally and make their voices heard.
Period poverty is a serious problem in Massachusetts, with one in five students struggling to afford menstrual products. This can lead to a number of negative consequences, including school absenteeism, health problems, and social isolation. The I AM Bill would help to address period poverty by ensuring that free menstrual products are available in schools, shelters, and prisons.
The MMEC is a coalition of over 400 menstrual activists and organizations working to end period poverty in Massachusetts. The coalition has been advocating for the I AM Bill for several years, and the rally on October 5th is a key part of their campaign.
Why is the I AM Bill important?
The I AM Bill is important because it would help to ensure that everyone in Massachusetts has access to the menstrual products they need. This is essential for public health, education, and equity.
Period poverty can have a number of negative consequences for people who menstruate. For example, people who cannot afford menstrual products may have to miss school or work, or they may have to use unsanitary methods to manage their periods. This can lead to health problems, such as urinary tract infections and infections of the reproductive tract.
Period poverty can also have a negative impact on people’s social lives. People who cannot afford menstrual products may avoid participating in social activities because they are worried about leaking or having an accident. This can lead to social isolation and stigma.
The I AM Bill would help to address these problems by ensuring that free menstrual products are available to everyone who needs them. This would help to improve public health, education, and equity for all people in Massachusetts who menstruate.
How to get involved
There are a number of ways to get involved in the fight to end period poverty and support the I AM Bill. You can:
- Attend the MMEC rally on October 5th at the State House
- Contact your state legislators and urge them to support the I AM Bill
- Donate to the MMEC or other organizations working to end period poverty
- Volunteer your time to help distribute menstrual products to people in need
- Talk to your friends and family about period poverty and the importance of menstrual equity
Every little bit helps. By working together, we can end period poverty in Massachusetts and ensure that everyone has access to the menstrual products they need.
* This piece was created with the help of ai.