With the passing of Assembly Bill (AB) 367 in October 2021, California became the fifth state to require free menstrual products in school bathrooms. Introduced by Assemblywoman Christina Garcia (D), the law’s purpose is to protect vulnerable students in schools with 6-12 graders. 

In 2017, California attempted to address the lack of access to menstrual products in schools in low-income districts. This left many students without proper resources to take care of themselves. Instead, they would have to go to the office to receive products, missing class time and risking leakage. 

The only study on period poverty in U.S. schools, conducted in 2021, reported that 70% of students reflect that schools make them feel self-conscious about their periods. In addition, 23% of students said they could not afford menstrual products.

In accordance with AB 367, schools were to provide free menstrual products in bathrooms by the 2022-23 school year. Mt. Eden High School recently put free tampon and pad dispensers in all female bathrooms. Advocates believe this will increase student attendance and make them feel more supported.

“I think it’s a great thing,” said senior Alexandria Calvin. “Personally, I forget when my cycle is coming and I bleed through my pants and I have to go home.”