Many women in the U.S. struggle to afford menstrual products, with a quarter of teens and one in three adults affected, according to UN Women and Period.org. To address this issue in Kansas, university students from across the state gathered at the Capitol under URGE (Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity) to advocate for Senate Bill 107.

The bill aims to remove the state sales tax on period products, diapers, and incontinence supplies, a step supporters see as essential for achieving menstrual equity. Advocates argue that lack of access to these products can lead to missed school and financial strain. They emphasize that even small costs accumulate over time, making essential hygiene products a significant financial burden.

URGE hopes that hearing directly from young women will encourage lawmakers to act. While similar proposals have failed in previous legislative sessions, supporters remain committed to pushing for change. They plan to continue organizing, expanding their efforts, and increasing pressure on legislators until the issue is addressed.

The State Budget Division projects that exempting these products would reduce state revenue by $8 million in fiscal year 2026. The bill is currently with the Senate Tax Committee but has yet to be scheduled for a hearing.