Action | Amend current 6VAC15-40-770 to require that feminine hygiene items be provided to female inmates without charge |
Stage | Fast-Track |
Comment Period | Ended on 12/26/2018 |
Thank you for approving 6VAC 1-40-770, the revised regulation/standard. As a registered nurse and nurse midwife I am very familiar with women's health and hygiene needs related to menstruation. Access to appropriate menstrual products is a health and public health issue particuarly for incarcerated women. Tampons and sanitary pads should be available without charge and readily accessible for all inmates who need them. By passing this legislation with the revised regulations Virginia's leadership has demonstrated an awareness that women's health needs do matter. I hope this new standard will be consistently enforced in all the jails and prisons throughout the Commonwealth.