Imprisoned women deserve dignity

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Ohio is one of 31 states that does not legally guarantee menstrual products for people in correctional facilities. While the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction adopted a policy in 2022 to provide free products, this is not law and does not apply to county and city jails.

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Access remains inconsistent.

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Formerly incarcerated women have testified to running out of supplies, being mocked for requesting more or coerced into exchanging sex or other favors to obtain basic hygiene items.

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Others resort to makeshift materials like toilet paper or cloth, practices linked to infections and toxic shock syndrome.

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House Bill 29 is bipartisan and passed the Ohio House unanimously. It would set a statewide standard ensuring an adequate supply based on individual need, daily access to showers, safe disposal and — critically — prohibit denying products as punishment, a protection missing in many states.

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This bill is the third menstrual equity initiative in Ohio, following the 2019 repeal of the tampon tax and a $5 million budget amendment providing free products in public schools.

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HB 29 is not radical; it is basic health and dignity. When will access to menstrual products in prisons be standardized? We urge readers to submit written testimony in support.

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Anusha Singh, Delaware, and Nithya Duddella, Columbus

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