This resolution recognizes the impact of menstrual stigma and expresses support for designating May as National Menstrual Health Awareness Month to promote education, research, and equitable access to care.
Grace Meng
Representative
NY-6
This resolution expresses strong support for designating May as "National Menstrual Health Awareness Month." It recognizes the significant impact that menstruation stigma has on the health, education, and economic participation of women and people who menstruate. The bill advocates for increased education, better access to care for menstrual conditions, and greater clinical research into women's reproductive health.
Congress Backs 'National Menstrual Health Awareness Month' to Fight Stigma and Boost Research
This resolution is Congress throwing its official support behind designating the month of May as "National Menstrual Health Awareness Month." It’s not a binding law that changes funding or creates new programs, but it’s a powerful statement recognizing that menstruation is a core public health issue that deserves serious attention and needs the stigma stripped away.
The Problem: Period Stigma Isn't Just Awkward
If you’ve ever had to duck into a pharmacy to buy emergency supplies or felt embarrassed discussing cramps at work, you know the stigma is real. This resolution highlights that this cultural shame has real-world consequences. Globally, about 500 million people lack the basic resources—products and safe water—to manage their periods with dignity. Even here in the U.S., poor access and shame can limit a student’s ability to attend school or an employee’s productivity. The resolution sees this as a direct barrier to gender equity and economic participation.
Why This Matters for Your Health and Wallet
The resolution’s focus on awareness is directly tied to improving health outcomes. It specifically calls for increased clinical research and better information on common but often debilitating conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). For the millions of people dealing with chronic pain or fertility issues related to these conditions, this official recognition could be the first step toward better funding and more effective treatments down the road. It’s an acknowledgment that women's health research, especially in these areas, has been severely understudied.
The Push for Better Access and Education
This measure isn't just about research; it’s about making daily life easier. It supports creating better standards for menstrual health education for young people, which is crucial for physical and mental well-being. Furthermore, it advocates for better access to necessary menstrual products and clean, private hygiene facilities in both schools and workplaces. Think of it this way: if your employer or child’s school takes this resolution seriously, it could mean better, more reliable access to products when you need them, saving you time, money, and stress. It’s about treating a normal biological function with the dignity and infrastructure it requires, benefiting everyone from the student in class to the construction worker on site.