Women’s health should not be taxed

Lily Vaughan | Daily Trojan

While the United States can be viewed as a fairly progressive nation, there are definitely issues from which  the nation’s policymakers shy away. Women’s health often receives this kind of treatment; it gets overlooked while issues that affect men actually see results.

A recent example that could change the face of women’s health is the California state bill allowing for tax-free purchases of feminine-hygiene products. California is fighting to be one of 11 states with such a policy. While removing taxes on feminine hygiene products would directly alter decades of unhealthy attitudes toward women’s health, this is also a politically and socially necessary move for the state of California. In an era where treatments for erectile dysfunction can be purchased without taxes, it is high time that pads and tampons — necessary products for unpreventable health concerns — get the same sort of privilege.

This bill, known as A.B. 1561, has passed through both houses of State Congress with support from both houses. One of the most obvious arguments in favor of the tax exemption comes from the understanding of what is necessary. When compared to male products, menstrual products reveal frightening statistics. Treatment for erectile dysfunction in males, known as Viagra, is left untaxed, while women must pay the extra sales tax for a product they must purchase. The notion leaves a lot to be desired. This discrepancy essentially becomes the beginning of an argument about gender inequality. Many women are rightfully angry at the unfairness of the situation; having sex is optional, whereas having a period is unavoidable.

The actual cost associated with these products can also be seen as a socioeconomic problem; taxes can affect the low-income population, and create a financial burden on those groups. Supporters of the tax claim that it is not centered solely on feminine hygiene products — products of all kinds get taxed. Yet California Assemblymember Ling Ling Chang stated it best when she noted that a sales tax is typically placed on luxury items, which pads and tampons are decidedly not. All in all, the bill would save women a good amount of money – it is estimated that women pay around $7 per month just on sales tax from purchasing periods and tampons. Though this money does not seem like much, a lifetime of paying an unavoidable $7 per month does begin to add up — something only women will have to worry about.

This issue has also brought to light even more disparities between men’s and women’s health. While topics like the menstrual cycle are frowned upon in general conversation, almost everyone over 16 knows what Viagra is, despite it not being a part of normal life. One of the major issues that persists is the stigma around the period, and how little the general public knows about it. Whether this is a result of poor sexual health education or poor women’s health awareness, perhaps major bills like this can get the movement started.

Excitement surrounding the state bill undoubtedly comes from the prospect of having conversation about a plethora of topics that are branched under women’s health. Whether this bill receives its due success or not, young people must continue to work to change how our society views women’s health and wellness.