The American Medical Women’s Association is proud to announce the publication of a new position paperon Period Poverty: Advancing Menstrual Equity Through Health Coverage Reform, published online in the Journal of Women’s Health.
Authored by members of the AMWA Gender Equity Task Force and collaborating physicians, trainees, and public health advocates, the statement emphasizes that menstrual products are not optional consumer goods, but necessary health and hygiene items that directly affect health, education, and workforce participation. The article also highlights the disproportionate burden faced by low-income populations and individuals already experiencing significant health disparities.
AMWA calls on policymakers, including Congress, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and state Medicaid agencies, to recognize menstrual products as essential health supplies and expand coverage accordingly. The paper also urges reforms that reduce administrative barriers and improve equitable access nationwide.
This publication reflects AMWA’s longstanding commitment to advancing gender equity and improving the health of women through evidence-based advocacy and policy leadership. By addressing period poverty through a healthcare and public health lens, we hope to elevate menstrual equity as a critical component of health equity.
The article was first published online on May 8, 2026 in the Journal of Women’s Health.
Read the full publication here: Journal of Women’s Health Article