New York City Will Provide Free Tampons and Pads in Public Schools, Prisons, and Shelters

New York Magazine (June 21, 2016): New York City Will Provide Free Tampons and Pads in Public Schools, Prisons, and Shelters, by Susan Rinkunas: 

New York made a historic move as the first city to pass 'menstrual equity' legislation, with unanimous support that expands access to menstrual hygiene products within New York City public schools, shelters, and prisons. The legislation comes after a project that provided the products to those who needed them in a High School in Queens, and will expand the access to upwards of 23,000 New Yorkers in need:

    New York City council member and finance chair Julissa Ferreras-Copeland is the prime sponsor of the bill for schools. City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito is the sponsor of the bills concerning shelters and corrections facilities.

    Ferreras-Copeland said in a statement: "Providing menstrual hygiene products privately, immediately and for free is also     about sending a body-positive message by not perpetuating shame and humiliation, and acknowledging that women's bodies,     even those of women serving time in prison, deserve some dignity during their periods."