The Scottish Parliament voted unanimously to pass a bill that makes free period products available to anyone who needs them, the first country to do so. The measures are intended to end “period poverty” — or the circumstances, and in some cases, prohibitive expense that have left many without access to sanitary products when they need them.

A draft bill received initial approval in Parliament earlier this year, but Tuesday’s vote saw the measure officially pass, with lawmakers voting unanimously in its favour. Two years ago, Scotland also made history when it began providing free sanitary products in schools. The new law in Scotland builds upon the earlier measure, introducing a legal right of free access to tampons and sanitary pads in schools, colleges, universities and all other public buildings.

The new law in Scotland builds on the earlier measure, introducing a legal right of free access to tampons and sanitary pads in schools, colleges, universities and all other public buildings. Under the legislation, the government will set up a Scotland-wide initiative, in collaboration with local authorities, to allow anyone who needs period products to get them free of charge.

Proud to vote for this groundbreaking legislation, making Scotland the first country in the world to provide free period products for all who need them. An important policy for women and girls. Well done to @MonicaLennon7 @ClydesdAileen and all who worked to make it happen https://t.co/4lckZ4ZYIY

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 24, 2020