Ending Period Poverty in Kentucky: Promotion of Occupational Justice

Abstract

The OTS 470S Ethics in Occupational Therapy chose to advocate for House Bill 74 (HB 74) in the Kentucky 2025 Regular Session. This bill seeks to provide free feminine hygiene products to elementary and secondary students. As of February 4, 2025, HB 74 was moved to the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee, which discusses financial matters associated with government spending if this bill were passed. This bill is an essential step in ensuring young girls have access to feminine hygiene products during school to promote uninterrupted education and health. Ensuring access to necessary hygiene products enhances personal hygiene and overall quality of life for school students. This bill promotes occupational justice by reducing the absences in schools relating to lack of menstrual products, giving all students a fair opportunity to be an active participant in their education. This bill passing will support low-income families providing access to feminine hygiene resources regardless of financial burdens. HB 74 aligns with 28 other states and the US federal government that already have this policy in place, pushing the state of Kentucky to follow in their footsteps by taking action to end period poverty. By advocating for House Bill 74, we are investing in not only the health but the education and success of our own young students in Kentucky