The Scottish parliament approved plans on Tuesday to make sanitary products freely available to all women, the first nation in the world to do so.
How much would it cost to the country?
The legislation would make tampons and sanitary pads available at designated public places such as community centres, youth clubs and pharmacies, at an estimated annual cost of £24.1 million ($31.2 million). The Period Products (Free Provision) Scotland Bill passed through its first stage with 112 votes in favour, none against and one abstention. The legistlation was proposed after several protests done by young women outside the Scottish parliament. Fellow lawmaker Alison Johnstone asked: “Why is it in 2020 that toilet paper is seen as a necessity but period products aren’t? Being financially penalised for a natural bodily function is not equitable or just.” To read more from ProperGaanda: Newborn baby goes viral after staring-down her doctors seconds after birth