Policy Memo: Expanding Health Equity in Wisconsin Prisons and Jails through Access to Menstrual Products
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Shelby Weaver (1), Zena Jensvold (2), Marie Fiori (3)
Corresponding author: sweaver3@wisc.edu |
Keywords: menstrual equity; Wisconsin; incarceration; health disparities
Executive Summary: The population of incarcerated people who menstruate in the Wisconsin correctional system has increased significantly over the last decade. Though necessary for the health and wellbeing of these individuals, menstrual products are not guaranteed at a reasonable cost throughout the Wisconsin correctional system, making them inaccessible, particularly to individuals from marginalized communities. The current system causes extreme physical and mental health problems, as many incarcerated individuals may go without these necessary products or attempt to make their own. Thirteen states have enacted legislation to provide menstrual products at no cost to citizens in prisons and jails. We advise that the Wisconsin State Legislature pass similar legislation that requires prisons and jails to provide free menstrual products to incarcerated Wisconsinites.
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References
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Shelby Weaver is a Ph.D. Student in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Her research focuses on the relationship between traumatic experiences, mental health disorders, and behaviors that increase involvement with the Criminal Justice System. She is a member of the executive board of Catalysts for Science Policy at UW-Madison and hopes to work on policy issues related to the Criminal Justice System after graduation.
Zena Jensvold is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Cellular and Molecular Biology program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She researches human endogenous retroviruses and how misregulation of these elements can cause cancer and other diseases. She is a member of the executive board of Catalysts for Science Policy at UW-Madison (serving as deputy treasurer) along with being a member of the National Science Policy Network’s Central Hub.
Zena Jensvold is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Cellular and Molecular Biology program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She researches human endogenous retroviruses and how misregulation of these elements can cause cancer and other diseases. She is a member of the executive board of Catalysts for Science Policy at UW-Madison (serving as deputy treasurer) along with being a member of the National Science Policy Network’s Central Hub.
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