Free Period Products to Combat Period Poverty

So many women have experienced that moment of panic: They start their period—without having the menstrual hygiene products they need. Imagine carrying that anxiety with you month after month.

By offering free period products at Methodist Women's Hospital, we're working to address a real need in our communities, empowering patients to feel confident and safe, without having to face the challenges that come with period poverty. 

What is period poverty?

Period poverty is the lack of access to safe, hygienic menstrual products and educational resources to manage menstrual health. It's an issue that affects millions of women, especially those in low-income communities. 

• Nearly two-thirds of low-income women say they couldn’t afford menstrual hygiene products during the previous year.
• A staggering one in three low-income women have had to use alternative items like socks, newspapers, or plastic bags in place of proper menstrual products.
• Nearly half of low-income women say they've had to choose between purchasing menstrual products or buying food.

Providing free period products at Methodist Women's Hospital is our way of being part of the solution.

Together, we can make a real difference and ensure that all women, regardless of their financial situation, have access to the essentials they need to live healthy, dignified and productive lives.