MENG AND CLARKE INTRODUCE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MAY AS NATIONAL MENSTRUAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY) introduced a resolution recognizing May as National Menstrual Health Awareness Month.

The resolution, announced on Menstrual Hygiene Day, recognizes the impact that the stigmatization of menstruation has on the lives of women, girls, and people who menstruate, and expresses support for the designation of May as National Menstrual Health Awareness Month.

"Menstruation is a normal part of life for nearly half the world's population, yet stigma surrounding menstrual health and wellness persists," said Rep. Meng. "This stigma limits access to essential resources such as menstrual products, clean water, and safe sanitation. Restrictions on these basic necessities have damaging effects on health, housing stability, educational access, and workplace conditions. It is way past time to normalize conversations about menstruation. I am proud to introduce this resolution designating May as National Menstrual Health Awareness Month and affirming that menstrual health is essential to overall well-being."

"Menstruation is a normal human experience, and yet the stigma surrounding it continues to disrupt Americans' menstrual health to an unacceptable and unsustainable level," said Rep. Clarke. "From the denial of necessary conversations, to the lack of access to critical sanitation products, our society's inability to move past a nonsensical taboo is having real, devastating consequences, particularly for Black women who are disparately affected by systemic medical racism and bias. The fact of the matter is that half of our population will, did, or does menstruate, and too many individuals from the other half have stood by or participated in efforts to denigrate them for it. It's time for that to change. I am proud to work with Congresswoman Meng to establish May as National Menstrual Health Awareness Month and end period stigmatization in every form it takes.

Meng and Clarke's resolution also recognizes the importance of expanding clinical research and health education on conditions impacting menstrual health such as fibroids, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

"Menstrual health is a nationwide health concern that impacts communities everywhere and must be prioritized," saidSateria Venable, Founder and CEO, The Fibroid Foundation. "We applaud the leadership of Congresswoman Meng for years of advocacy in this space. We look forward to the successful passage of menstrual health legislation."

"Systems change when conversations change. Normalizing how we talk about periods advances menstrual equity and supports impactful policy - like free period products in public spaces," saidJoanne Samuel Goldblum, CEO, Alliance for Period Supplies. "More than 76% of Americans support free products in schools and universities. We are honored to join Rep. Meng in championing equitable access to period supplies in all public spaces."

"ACOG is proud to support designating May as Menstrual Health Awareness Month. Menstruation is an important vital sign for women and girls that can help ob-gyns screen for life-altering conditions," said Camille A. Clare, MD, MPH, CPE, President of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. "Menstruation has been the subject of unnecessary and unhelpful stigmatization, and we need improved public understanding of menstrual health as well as investment in women's health research and in overcoming disparities to fight back. We are grateful to Rep. Meng for her leadership on the issue and her efforts to improve the lives of our patients and those who menstruate."

"For 1.8 billion people around the world, menstruation is a part of life each month, and yet it remains a hidden public health crisis, shaped by period poverty, inequitable taxation of menstrual products, and a persistent lack of reproductive health education," said Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins, President and CEO of PAI. "Stigma and inequities around menstrual health continue to prevent women and girls from fully participating in school, sports, work, and daily life, while contributing to serious and overlooked health disparities. Menstrual and uterine health remain deeply under-researched, and too many people, especially young people, still lack access to the information, products, clean water, sanitation facilities, and health services they need to manage their health with dignity. PAI is proud to support National Menstrual Health Awareness Month and Representative Meng's leadership to ensure menstrual health is treated as the public health and gender equity issue it is."

"Menstrual health remains deeply stigmatized and under-resourced. For millions of people around the world, access to basic menstrual products, education, and care remains out of reach. Here in the United States, nearly one in four teens struggles to afford period products, compromising their health, wellbeing, and ability to fully participate in school, work, and everyday life," said Jennifer Herrera, executive director of PERIOD. "Menstrual Health Awareness Month is both an urgent reminder that menstrual health is a universal human rights issue, and a call to action. Together, we have the power-and the responsibility-to build a future where no one is held back because of their period."

"Menstrual health is deeply connected to a student's confidence, well-being, and ability to fully engage in school," saidGirls Inc. President & CEO Stephanie J. Hull, Ph.D. "Too many girls are missing class or struggling in silence because they don't have access to the products or information they need. By creating environments where girls feel supported and prepared, we help them show up with confidence-ready to do their best whether in the classroom or in the community."

Meng has long been a champion for menstrual equity. Her Menstrual Equity for All Act offers a whole-of-government approach to improving access to menstrual products for Americans. She also leads the Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act-a bipartisan bill which would help address period poverty by encouraging donations of menstrual products.

Endorsing organizations include: The Fibroid Foundation, Alliance for Period Supplies, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, PAI, PERIOD, and Girls Inc.

A copy of the resolution can be viewed here.