Scotland has become the first country in the world to make menstrual products free and easy to access. Lawmakers approved the landmark bill Tuesday, which aims to end “period poverty” by ensuring tampons and pads be available for free in schools and other public buildings. This is Monica Lennon, the lawmaker who introduced the bill, speaking ahead of the vote.

Monica Lennon: “The thought of anyone having to go to a food bank for foods, toiletries and essential period products remains unacceptable, and we have huge work to do to address wealth inequalities in our society. … The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health and on incomes only makes the case for this bill even stronger. Periods don’t stop for pandemics.”