MSP hits out over the cost of sanitary products

TOO many women cannot afford to buy feminine hygiene products, potentially putting their health at risk a MSP has said.

Monica Lennon, Central Scotland Labour MSP, led a debate in the Scottish Parliament calling for a government assessment of the affordability of women’s sanitary products.

The MSP has already sought action from the Scottish Government stating that food banks should not need to be relied on to supply basic hygiene needs.

She said there is a health element to women being unable to pay for sufficient supplies adding failure to change tampons or towels can led to toxic shock syndrome.

Ms Lennon said: “It is an uncomfortable truth that not every woman and girl in Scotland can afford to buy essential feminine hygiene products when they need them.”

She said that in other countries there are projects to supply products to free to some women and girls.

Ms Lennon said the first step should be to assess the affordability of feminine hygiene products

The Scottish Government has stated it has no plans to introduce free sanitary products or to carry out any assessment on affordability.

Health secretary Shona Robison said, in response to a question from Ms Lennon that feminine hygiene is not a health issue.

Ms Lennon added: “I hope that the SNP Government will agree carry out a study which looks at the burden of the cost of feminine hygiene products on women and girls in Scotland so that we can begin to understand what can be done to improve the situation.”