#MenForMenstrualEquity
Menstrual equity isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s a human issue.
The #MenForMenstrualEquity campaign invites male legislators to publicly pledge their support for menstrual equity by co-sponsoring key legislation aimed at ensuring equitable access to menstrual products.
Our ask for male legislators is:
RECORD A VIDEO
Recording a selfie video vertically (1-2 minutes long) explaining why you believe quality menstrual products should be free, just like toilet paper, see attached talking points.
SHARE YOUR VIDEO
Email your video to massnow@massnow.org by May 1st and on May 28th post your video with a red menstrual emoji and the hashtag #MenForMenstrualEquity! Tag @mme.coalition to show your support!
You can see the current co-sponsors and committee assignments for our menstrual equity agenda here.
Talking Points:
Additional quick facts about menstruation
Hi, I’m [Name], and I’m here today to ask for your support in advancing menstrual equity in Massachusetts.
Menstruation is a natural part of life. Period products are basic necessities—just like soap or toilet paper. Unfortunately, too many people in our state can’t afford them.
Every day, individuals in Massachusetts are forced to choose between essentials like food, shelter, and period products. This is not just a problem; it’s unacceptable.
Insert your own personal story here—whether it’s about your experience growing up, seeing others struggle, or hearing from your constituents. Here are a few examples you might share:
A story about a student missing school because they couldn’t afford period products. “I spoke with a high school student who told me that because she didn’t have access to period products, she missed several days of school each month. This impacted her grades and her sense of belonging.”
A story about someone in a shelter or prison. “I met a woman living in a shelter who shared that she had to choose between buying food and period products. This left her feeling humiliated and ashamed, when no one should ever have to make that choice.”
A story about a parent struggling to provide. “I’ve heard from parents who are juggling multiple jobs and still struggle to provide for their children. They shared how difficult it is to provide basic necessities, including period products, when resources are so limited.”
A personal story of your own or someone you know. “As a father, I can’t imagine a world where my daughter has to face these challenges. No one should have to live with the shame or fear of not having what they need to live their lives with dignity.”
I’m urging my fellow lawmakers to support three critical pieces of legislation:
SD1098 & HD1552: Free access to period products in public schools, shelters, jails, and prisons.
SD1177: Ensuring access to period products in all public buildings.
SD674: Requiring ingredient disclosure—because we all deserve to know what’s in the products we use.
Many period products contain harmful chemicals like PFAS—chemicals linked to reproductive health issues. Right now, there is no law that requires companies to disclose these ingredients to the public.
One in seven children in Massachusetts lives in poverty, and too many students are missing class because they don’t have access to period products. People are missing work, too. This isn’t just an issue of access—it’s an issue of health, dignity, and fairness.
It’s time to end period poverty. Let’s make sure everyone in Massachusetts has access to the products they need to live with dignity.
