How Access to Menstrual Products Impacts Teens in NYC

In New York City, many teens face a challenge that’s often hidden behind closed bathroom doors: accessing menstrual products when they need them. Period equity refers to the fair and equal access to menstrual products, education, and proper sanitation. It’s about recognizing that menstruation is a normal biological process—not something that should disrupt a person’s education, health, or dignity. Yet, even in a city as resourceful as NYC, period poverty continues to impact students across public schools.

The cost of menstrual products can be a serious burden. On average, a person who menstruates spends over $200 each year on period supplies. For families already managing high living expenses, especially in a city where the cost of living is among the highest in the country, that amount can make a difference. According to a 2023 report by the New York City Department of Education and youth health advocates, nearly one in five students have struggled to afford menstrual products at some point. When pads and tampons are unavailable, some teens resort to using tissues, toilet paper, or other unsafe materials, which can lead to discomfort or infections.

Period poverty doesn’t just affect physical health—it also affects education. Research shows that students who lack access to menstrual products are more likely to miss school or leave class early. Missing class can lead to lower academic performance, anxiety, and a sense of isolation. These challenges reinforce why access to menstrual products isn’t a luxury, but a necessity for equitable education.

New York City took a major step toward menstrual equity in 2016 by passing legislation that requires all public schools, homeless shelters, and correctional facilities to provide free menstrual products. This made NYC the first city in the United States to adopt such a policy. In schools, dispensers were installed in bathrooms so that students could access pads and tampons without needing to ask a nurse or teacher. This initiative marked significant progress toward normalizing menstruation and reducing stigma.

However, access remains inconsistent. Some school bathrooms are not regularly restocked, and in certain cases, the dispensers are broken or empty. When that happens, students are once again left without reliable access to what they need. Advocacy groups like PERIOD. and The Pad Project, along with local student-led initiatives, continue to work with schools to ensure that menstrual products remain accessible and that teens are educated about menstrual health.

Promoting period equity requires continued awareness and conversation. Encouraging open discussions about menstruation helps reduce stigma and ensures that students feel comfortable asking for what they need. Schools can also play an important role by incorporating menstrual health education into health classes and ensuring that products are available in all restrooms, not just in the nurse’s office.

Period equity is not simply about providing pads and tampons—it’s about ensuring that no student has to choose between their education and their basic needs. Access to menstrual products allows teens to focus on their classes, their goals, and their futures without fear or embarrassment. In a city as dynamic and diverse as New York, supporting menstrual equity means supporting the health, confidence, and potential of every student.