Across the United States, there are almost 200,000 women incarcerated in women’s prisons and jails. With 90% of this population under the age of 55, menstruation is a monthly reality for many of these women, which comes with additional challenges when behind bars. Limited access to pads and tampons forces many women to ration their supplies and even turn to unsanitary alternatives.
While some states have taken steps to improve womens’ access to menstrual products in prisons and jails, inconsistent policies still leave many without the resources they need. More than 30 states still don’t have any laws requiring the provision of menstrual products to incarcerated people. Even in states with these laws, actually implementing regulations is still a challenge.
Typically, incarcerated women are provided with a very limited supply of menstrual products. Pads and tampons are closely restricted and often run out, which often leaves women with no other choice but to beg prison guards for more supplies. More supplies are available to buy in the commissary, but inmates are required to pay for them. However, federal inmates typically only earn around 12 cents to $1.00 per hour.
Additionally, a direct lack of menstrual products is often not the only challenge facing incarcerated women. Even if a guard provides a woman with her limited supply of pads, she may be refused underwear to even be able to wear a pad. Likewise, someone on their period might receive menstrual products but have no trash can to properly dispose of used pads and tampons.
During strip searches, women are often grouped together and ordered to remove their tampons. Also, if someone bleeds through their clothes, they are often subject to humiliation, with guards calling them “lazy” and shaming them. Another common problem is the lack of privacy. These experiences can be humiliating and distressing and can negatively impact mental health.
Regardless of your personal views on incarceration, it’s important to spread awareness about the lack of menstrual equity in prisons. Why are women in prison subjected to such extreme control over their most basic bodily needs? Access to menstrual products is a necessity, not a luxury. However, many incarcerated women are forced to suffer unsanitary and humiliating conditions for simply having a period.
Menstruation is often seen as a taboo subject, and this has allowed problems such as this to go on for far too long. By shedding light on these important issues, we can push for changes in policies and help fight for period equality for all.
About The Author: My name is Lizbeth Manoj and I am the News editor for my school’s newspaper, the CHAT! I love writing stories, especially about important issues that impact our community. I’m so excited to be writing stories for PHP and helping spread awareness. In my free time, I love to dance, read, and travel.