It is not a topic many of us like to discuss, but half of the population menstruates. Obviously, we all know plenty of people that have a period. Since the use of menstrual products is not a luxury, but a necessity, and is essential for women’s health, there has been an increased push across states for these items to be exempt from sales tax. As of May 2025, 32 states had already eliminated what is called the “Tampon Tax” or “Pink Tax”. Indiana now joins them. As of July 1st, HB 1001 specifically exempts feminine hygiene products (including tampons, panty liners, menstrual cups, sanitary napkins, and similar items) from Indiana's 7% sales tax.
It has been found that two in five people struggle to purchase period supplies due to lack of income. This is called period poverty. Chances are we all know someone who has experienced this need at some point in their life. They may be a neighbor, a co-worker, a student, a family member, or a friend.
A survey completed in 2023 revealed that approximately one in four teenagers who menstruate in the U.S. cannot afford period products. 62% of teenagers in the survey said they rarely or never find free period products in the restroom. This lack of access often prevents them from attending school, placing these vulnerable youth at a significant disadvantage compared to their peers.
No student should have to miss school, no adult should have to miss work, and no person should have to miss out on daily life because they are unable to pay for these necessary items. So, while eliminating the sales tax is a big step in the right direction, we can still do more to help. Additional measures – such as providing free menstrual products in school restrooms and funding sustainable, community-based period product distribution programs – are essential to fully address the issue of period poverty. Please continue to contact your representatives to let them know of your support for these services.
To help address local needs surrounding this issue, the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County has begun making “period packs” for the FISH pantry. FISH leadership has stated this is a huge need in our community. For the month of May, our local League members packed and distributed 46 period packs, which might last the pantry one month at most. Each pack costs about $10-12 to make and consists of pads, tampons, pantiliners, wipes, chocolate, and laundry sheets.
If you would like to support our cause, LWVMC has put a donate button on our website. Please go to www.lwvmontcoin.org, click on Donations and then select the Health Committee Fund.
We'd also love new members and volunteers to join us for packing parties, and to continue our mission of supporting reproductive health for all living in the US.