Menstruation Matters: Challenging the Law’s Silence on Periods

Crawford and Waldman (both law professors at Pace Univ. in New York) present an insightful analysis of policies regarding menstruation in this groundbreaking work. This duo seeks to inform readers how “law and society can be better adapted to the needs of the approximately one-half of the population that menstruates for a large part of their lives.” They succeed in their analysis of the few existing policies regarding menstruation and envision future policies that could be beneficial. Issues that have gained momentum internationally, such as the tampon tax and period poverty, are covered in depth, as well as how institutional barriers, such as those faced at work and school, prevent full participation and hinder performance. Crawford and Waldman provide an eye-opening look at how law could be used to better protect those who menstruate by providing a framework for how period products ought to be studied for health and environmental safety, how sensitive health information being sold by menstruation apps is being turned into a big business, and how incarcerated individuals face financial barriers to accessing menstrual products.