Pads and tampons are considered non-essential and receive an additional tax (the “Tampon Tax”) in 30 states across the US (That’s 70% of states across the US!). This tax remains the only gender-specific one that exists in our country present day. The ability to support a basic biological need is deemed a luxury (as opposed to a basic human right) by a majority of state governments. The classification of these products as a luxury item makes it clear what the problem is with this tax: its disproportionate effect on the poor. On any given day, 800 million individuals are menstruating worldwide; 500 million will lack adequate resources to manage their period. Many that are homeless will improvise with paper towels, newspapers, rags, and plastic bags. At shelters, menstruators will not find access to needed menstrual products due to tampon taxes. Incarcerated individuals have to bargain and are often sexually exploited in their attempts to acquire access to menstrual hygiene products. 1 in 5 teenage girls will lack access to menstrual products entirely. Individuals receiving government assistance will not be allowed to purchase menstrual products with this aid and are often prosecuted for their attempts to exchange food for such hygiene products. It is clear that this tax is impeding upon the health and livelihood of many; it is paramount that this tax be removed in order to support menstruators who already experience much precarity in their lives.
I am calling on the legislatures of Alabama to uphold the oath they affirmed upon entering office to support the state of Alabama. They can and should do so by exempting menstrual products from the sales tax. I am asking Governor Ivy to stand alongside both homemakers and working menstruators in acknowledging, affirming, and fighting for the inherent dignity that is endowed upon all.
I am calling on you to sign this petition, share it with your friends, and join the Menstrual Movement to help eradicate period poverty and stigma and support the well-being of all menstruators in our state.

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All credit to the students and activists leading this movement and pushing for legislative action. Special credit to the #FreeThePeriodCA organization for creating the template for this petition.