LA County Petition Calls for Free Menstrual Products in Public Spaces

A community petition is calling for expanded access to free menstrual products across Los Angeles County, arguing that pads and tampons should be treated as basic public hygiene necessities — not luxury items.

The petition, titled “Access to Menstrual Products Across Los Angeles County,” pushes for menstrual products to be made more available in public spaces where people already rely on essential hygiene resources. That includes schools, libraries, shelters, parks, public bathrooms, and community centers.

Supporters say the issue is simple: if public facilities provide toilet paper and soap, menstrual products should be available too.

The petition is available on Change.org under “Access to Menstrual Products Across Los Angeles County.”

Period products are basic hygiene. Access should be easy, free, and consistent — for everyone.

Why menstrual product access matters

For many people, lack of access to pads or tampons is more than an inconvenience. It can mean missing school, leaving work early, avoiding public spaces, or dealing with embarrassment and stress during an already difficult moment.

The petition frames menstrual product access as a public health and dignity issue, especially for students, unhoused residents, low-income families, workers, and anyone who may unexpectedly need products while away from home.

Period products can be expensive, and access can be inconsistent depending on where someone lives, studies, works, or receives services. Advocates argue that making products available in key public spaces would help reduce barriers and normalize menstrual care as part of everyday public health infrastructure.

The ask: treat period products like basic necessities

The campaign is calling on Los Angeles County to support wider availability of menstrual products in public spaces. The idea is not complicated: pads and tampons should be stocked where people already expect basic hygiene supplies.

That could include dispensers or supply baskets in bathrooms, resource areas at schools and libraries, shelters, community centers, parks, and other public-facing facilities.

The petition’s message is centered around access, equity, and dignity. No one should have to miss school, miss work, or feel unsafe because they cannot access a basic hygiene product.

A small change with a big impact

Expanding access to menstrual products would be a relatively simple public health measure with a direct community benefit. For students, it could mean staying in class. For workers, it could mean getting through the day without disruption. For people experiencing housing insecurity, it could mean one less urgent need to worry about.

Supporters say the change would also send a broader message: menstrual health is health, and public spaces should reflect that.

How to support the petition

Residents can support the effort by signing the petition and sharing it with community members, schools, neighborhood councils, local officials, and organizations focused on health, housing, youth services, and gender equity.

The petition is available on Change.org under “Access to Menstrual Products Across Los Angeles County.”

Period products are basic hygiene. Access should be easy, free, and consistent — for everyone.