Missouri lawmakers recently passed legislation that eliminates the state sales tax on period products. The change is expected to result in minor savings for consumers, reducing the cost of a $9 box of tampons by about 38 cents.
Advocates argue that while the financial impact might be small, removing the “tampon tax” holds symbolic value. Emily Swanigan, spokeswoman for Period, an education and advocacy group, commented: “It’s not going to cost (the state) that much, but it’s going to demonstrate that women’s health is a priority.”
A survey conducted in 2023 by Period and Thinx Inc. revealed that a quarter of teens and one-third of adults faced difficulties affording period products due to their rising costs. From 2019 to 2024, tampon prices increased by 36%, while sanitary pads saw a 41% hike according to the Wall Street Journal.
Jeanette Higgins, a nurse practitioner at Children’s Mercy Hospital, highlighted the strain on families: “Especially for low socioeconomic households,” she noted, “they may be forced to choose between buying a menstrual product or buying food.”
The demand for menstrual products has also surged at Giving the Basics, a nonprofit organization in Kansas City providing hygiene supplies like pads and tampons to shelters and schools.
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