Scotland has moved to become the first nation to make tampons and pads free.

[Phoebe]

Scotland could become the first nation to ensure free universal access to pads and tampons | CNN

The Scottish parliament advanced legislation on Tuesday that would ensure free universal access to tampons, pads and other menstrual products.

edition.cnn.com

 

[Plumage]

I wonder if an unintended consequence of this will be a reduction in the choice of products available to those wishing to purchase them?

The legislation will ensure that a 'reasonable range' of products will be available from public institutions (like libraries) and in schools; but maybe not everyone will be happy with the government issue products. (Presumably the government will contract with manufacturers to produce a range of products from them.)

With basic products freely available, demand in shops will fall, which might push prices down to a point where manufacturers are no longer willing to supply them to shops.

Will panty-liners for light days be covered? It seems to depend on whether their purpose (sole purpose? primary purpose?) is to absorb menstrual flow.

It maybe won't be so convenient having to make a trip to whatever local institution has the supplies, rather than just popping them into your trolley at the shops. (I wonder how rural communities will get on?)

I guess we shall see in time. But good on Scotland anyway!