Policy Memo Competition Honorable Mention
Policy Memo: Period Poverty: A Risk Factor for People Who Menstruate in STEM
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Katherine Andersh (1), Zanah Francis (2), Mary Moran (2), Emily Quarato (3)
Corresponding author: [email protected] |
Keywords: period poverty; menstruation; STEM; education; menstrual hygiene product
Executive Summary: : In the United States, lack of access to menstrual hygiene products (MHPs) is contributing to a serious problem, period poverty. Period poverty has negative impacts on physical and mental health, as well as long term decreased productivity in educational and professional outcomes. Therefore, it is critical that action be taken to reduce period poverty and improve menstrual equity particularly for young menstruators, as inaction can result in lasting negative effects on both health and prosperity. The inability to afford and access MHPs results in recurring absences from school, which is a critical time for nurturing interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). To ensure the development of a diverse STEM workforce, significant action needs to be taken to reduce period poverty and improve menstrual equity. We recommend instituting a requirement that all public K-12 schools provide free MHPs to students, an expansion of Section 2 of the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2019 (ME4ALL Act, H.R. 1882).
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Katherine Andersh is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Rochester. Her research focuses on the role of inflammation in driving retinal ganglion cell loss and ultimately vision loss in glaucoma. After completion of her Ph.D., Katherine plans to continue to be an advocate for disabled and underrepresented scientists and pursue a career in science policy and advocacy.
Zanah Francis is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Immunology, Microbiology & Virology program at the University of Rochester. Her research focuses on understanding the genetics and biochemistry of peptidoglycan biosynthesis in M. tuberculosis and related mycobacteria to identify new targets that can be translated into the development of novel anti-tuberculosis drugs. After earning her Ph.D., Zanah plans to pursue a career in science policy and outreach.
Mary Moran is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Immunology, Microbiology & Virology program and a first-year student in the MPH program at the University of Rochester. Her research is focused on understanding how S. aureus colonization on the skin alters susceptibility to viral skin infections. After earning her Ph.D. and MPH, Mary plans to pursue a career in science policy and communication.
Emily Quarato is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the Toxicology program at the University of Rochester. Her research is focused on understanding how radiation impacts the components of the bone marrow microenvironment that support bone formation. After earning her Ph.D., Emily plans to pursue a career in science policy and community education.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the University of Rochester Science Policy Initiative for their support.
Disclaimer
The authors disclose that they have no conflict of interest and that their views do not necessarily reflect those of their respective departments.
Zanah Francis is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Immunology, Microbiology & Virology program at the University of Rochester. Her research focuses on understanding the genetics and biochemistry of peptidoglycan biosynthesis in M. tuberculosis and related mycobacteria to identify new targets that can be translated into the development of novel anti-tuberculosis drugs. After earning her Ph.D., Zanah plans to pursue a career in science policy and outreach.
Mary Moran is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Immunology, Microbiology & Virology program and a first-year student in the MPH program at the University of Rochester. Her research is focused on understanding how S. aureus colonization on the skin alters susceptibility to viral skin infections. After earning her Ph.D. and MPH, Mary plans to pursue a career in science policy and communication.
Emily Quarato is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the Toxicology program at the University of Rochester. Her research is focused on understanding how radiation impacts the components of the bone marrow microenvironment that support bone formation. After earning her Ph.D., Emily plans to pursue a career in science policy and community education.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the University of Rochester Science Policy Initiative for their support.
Disclaimer
The authors disclose that they have no conflict of interest and that their views do not necessarily reflect those of their respective departments.
DISCLAIMER: The findings and conclusions published herein are solely attributed to the author and not necessarily endorsed or adopted by the Journal of Science Policy and Governance. Articles are distributed in compliance with copyright and trademark agreements.
ISSN 2372-2193
ISSN 2372-2193
