MSP wants universal free access to female sanitary products
Scotland could become the first country in the world to end period poverty, according to a Labour MSP.
Monica Lennon has launch launched a consultation to create a law in Scotland which would give universal free access to sanitary products.
Lennon, who is Labour’s Inequalities spokesperson at Holyrood, has made campaigning on the issue a priority since being elected in 2016.
Responding to calls to take action, the Scottish Government has recently launched a pilot scheme in Aberdeen where low income women and girls are to be offered free sanitary products.
Lennon said: “Scotland has the opportunity to be a world leader in ending period poverty. Access to sanitary products should be a basic right but sadly in Scotland we know not everyone can afford or obtain what they need.
“That’s why I intend to introduce a legal duty on the Scottish Government to develop a universal system in Scotland which will provide free sanitary products for anyone who needs them.
“This is a big step towards creating a fairer and more equal society and I hope to hear from people right across Scotland during the consultation.”
Communities secretary Angela Constance said she agreed it was unacceptable for any girl or woman not to have access to sanitary products.
She said: "We are exploring how to make these products freely available.
"I welcome Monica Lennon's work on access to sanitary products and will be happy to engage further with her as we look at what more can be done to tackle the issue, within the current powers of the Scottish Parliament."
