Scotland is set to become the first country in the world to introduce free universal introduce access to period products.
Monica Lane, MSP of Scottish Labor, said her “groundbreaking” bill would boost Scots’ pride by ensuring no one goes without essential period products such as tampons and sanitary pads.
He introduced the law to Holyroad after years of campaigning in the 2011 campaign, and supporters hope it will become law after a final debate and vote in the Scottish Parliament today.
The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) bill will ensure that anyone, including schools, colleges and universities, can use free period products.
Cross-party support is expected despite initial opposition from the Scottish government.
The ministers had previously argued that the cost could exceed an estimated 7 9.7 million a year.
Speaking ahead of the vote, Mrs. Leno said: “We are on the final mile of a long journey and I am happy to support the Period Products Bill.
“I am hopeful that we will complete that groundbreaking tour today.
“Scotland will not be the last country to make history of period poverty – but now it has the opportunity to be the first.
“This law will ensure that no one has to go without the required period of products.”
He added: “Thanks to the Dark Roots campaign and cross-party support, Scotland has already taken great strides to improve the accessibility of period products.
“The law is a world-leading opportunity to protect the dignity of the period for all women, girls and menstruating women.
“The campaign has been supported by a broad coalition, including trade unions, women’s organizations and charities.
“Thousands of supporters have played a part in the role, including people sharing their experiences of poverty, and I’m grateful for all of that.”
A Scottish Conservative spokesman has confirmed that the party will support the bill.
He said: “No one should struggle to gain access to sanitary products because of poverty.
“We have some concerns about the delivery and funding of the plan, which we will address in three phases.”
Caron Lindsay, a spokeswoman for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said: “Monica Lennon’s bill is a welcome step on the front lines in Scotland and it is the full support of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
“It is unimaginable that anyone in this country is forced to use rags or clothes or that they are forced to lose any education when they do not have enough funds to buy sanitary products.
“The SNP has been on the bill for months. On Tuesday I hope they will give him their full support.
“This is a small step towards achieving equality.”
Andy Whitman, a spokesman for the Scottish Greens community, said: “Access to period products is essential and I am delighted to have the opportunity to make these products universally available in Parliament this week.
“I commend Monica Lennon for her commitment to this important cause and look forward to voting for Scotland to become the first country in the world to end period poverty.”
Charities and campaign groups have previously backed the law.
Girlguiding Scotland said: “We believe that making free period products easily available to everyone who needs them will not only benefit individuals and families financially, but will also help young women and young women participate in education and extraordinary activities, and help remove stigma. .
“It is necessary to build the legal right to access the products of the period to ensure that progress has already been made in this area and that future governments cannot undo the welcome work already undertaken.”
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