One Pennsylvania Representative is pushing to require all public schools provide menstrual hygiene products in bathrooms.

Representative Danielle Friel Otten (D- Chester) is the sponsor of House Bill 1708, also known as Lilly’s Bill. It’s named after a high school student in her district, Lilly Minor, brought to her attention the issue of a lack of menstrual hygiene products in schools serving students in grades 6 through 12. This legislation would make sure tampons, menstrual pads, and other hygiene products are provided free of cost in school bathrooms.

According to a recent study, 1 in 5 female students miss school or leave early because these products aren’t provided. Advocates say having a menstrual cycle and not having access to the proper products shouldn’t inflict on learning possibilities.

“It’s so important for us to make sure that our girls have all of their needs met while they’re in school so that they can learn and that they can be full participants in their education and in our society,” Rep. Friel Otten says.

“It’s a great thing that we’re finally talking about it, because the reality of the situation is, girls need to be equal in our school systems,” says Lilly Minor, a student at Owen J. Roberts High School in Pottsville. “It’s time that we close the gap and finally provide for our female students,” Minor adds.

New York recently passed similar Legislation. Lilly’s Bill was referred to the House Education Committee over the summer, where it awaits further action.

Senator Maria Collett (D- Bucks, Montgomery) has a similar proposal in the works, the Pennsylvania Menstrual Equity Act. This would require Pennsylvania public agencies that serve young, low income, homeless, or incarcerated to offer menstrual products in their restroom facilities for free. These agencies include the Department of Education, Department of Human Services, and Department of Corrections.

Senator Collett says she’s been receiving positive feedback from legislators on both sides of the aisle, Governor Tom Wolf, and members of the public, both male and female. 

“I really believe that the more conversations we have, the less mysterious menstruation is, the more consensus we’ll have. We’re not talking about handouts, unless you consider toilet paper a handout. And we’re not talking about massive implementation costs,” Senator Collett explains.

The Senator goes on to say the custodial paper products accounted for .0005% of the state general fund budget. Senator Collett says 20 legislators, both Democrat and Republican, have signed on to co-sponsor her Bill.