New Jersey Implements Law Requiring Free Menstrual Products in Schools to Promote Equity and Support Reproductive Health
In a significant move towards promoting gender equity in education, Governor Phil Murphy signed a new law on Wednesday that mandates school districts in New Jersey to provide free menstrual products for students in grades six through 12. The objective of this legislation is to ensure that students have access to essential menstrual hygiene products, thus supporting their reproductive health.
Governor Murphy, a Democrat, explained that the measure aims to address the inequalities faced by students on a daily basis. He emphasized that when students are unable to access the necessary menstrual products, it often leads to stress and stigma, ultimately hampering their ability to focus on their studies or even causing them to miss school entirely.
Under the new law, school districts will be required to ensure that at least half of the female and gender-neutral bathrooms in schools with students from grades six through 12 are equipped with free menstrual products. The state will bear the associated costs incurred by the schools.
According to estimates provided by the legislature’s nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services, implementing this requirement will cost approximately $1.8 million to $3.5 million in the first full school year, with subsequent years ranging from $1.4 million to $2.9 million. These costs are minute compared to the state’s budget of $54.3 billion.
Around 1,400 schools across New Jersey will be affected by this new requirement. The Legislature estimates that the total enrollment of female students in grades six through 12 in these schools is approximately 354,497.
New Jersey now joins the ranks of at least 10 other states and the District of Columbia that have already introduced or expanded similar requirements for free menstrual products in schools. Alabama, Delaware, and Utah are among the states that have recently passed measures similar to New Jersey’s.
The bill was passed almost unanimously by the Democrat-led Legislature, with only one dissenting vote. Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz expressed the significance of this initiative, stating that menstrual hygiene products are a necessity and not a luxury. She emphasized that when students are unable to access these products, it becomes an obstacle that hinders their education, causing them to miss school, which has a far-reaching impact beyond just one day.
This progressive move by New Jersey will help in creating a more inclusive educational environment by removing barriers for students and ensuring their reproductive health needs are met. Schools play a vital role in supporting students and this proactive step is seen as a positive stride towards achieving gender equity and promoting overall well-being.
