More states are beginning to recognize that menstrual products are not just a luxury but a necessity, leading to a growing movement to eliminate the tampon tax. As reported by NPR, an increasing number of states are choosing to exempt tampons and pads from sales tax, a change that could significantly ease the financial burden for those who must purchase these essential items monthly.
This emerging trend is encouraging, with nine states currently exempting menstrual products from taxation and seven more considering legislative changes. In the last couple of years, states like New York, Connecticut, Illinois, and Florida have taken steps to remove taxes on these necessary products. New proposals have been introduced in places like Nebraska, Virginia, and Arizona, while Ohio successfully passed legislation in 2017 to eliminate this tax.
State Representative Clara Jensen from Ohio expressed her delight to NPR, stating, “This is a straightforward action we can take to ensure that essential medical products are more accessible to women in our communities.” She emphasized that while the tax may seem minor, it can have a significant impact on families struggling to make ends meet. “When you’re trying to decide whether to buy your child milk or treat yourself to lunch, every penny counts,” she added.
The financial implications of tampon taxes can be staggering. In California, Assemblywoman Rachel Mendez pointed out that women spend approximately $7 a month on menstrual products, resulting in more than $20 million in taxes annually. She has labeled this taxation as “unfair” and a clear example of “gender injustice,” which resonates deeply.
It’s infuriating to think that while essential health products for women are taxed, products like Viagra often aren’t subjected to the same scrutiny. Thankfully, organizations like Period Equity are actively fighting against these unjust taxes. They have successfully advocated for menstrual equity laws in places like New York City, and their efforts have expanded access to feminine hygiene products. They even collaborated with model Amber Rose on a campaign that humorously highlights the absurdity of the tampon tax.
However, the fight is not over. California, where women are still paying substantial taxes on tampons, has yet to make any progress on this front. A recent legislative attempt in Utah was unsuccessful, leaving many hopeful that more states will take action to address this inequity. If progress continues to stall, perhaps it’s time to reconsider the fairness of taxing essential health items while allowing certain medications to slide.
In the meantime, for those navigating the challenges of family planning, consider exploring artificial insemination options, which may be helpful. For further insights on this topic, check out this article on Modern Family Blog.
Summary
More states are abolishing the tampon tax, recognizing the necessity of menstrual products. With nine states exempting these items from sales tax and ongoing legislative efforts, the movement is gaining momentum. Advocates argue that removing this tax is crucial for financial relief. Organizations like Period Equity are actively working towards a fairer approach, though some states still lag behind. As we advocate for equality in taxation, exploring options like artificial insemination can also be a step towards family planning.