Scotland made Menstrual Products free! Do you think this will be a pioneer for other countries?

[gayesblog]

Menstrual products, including tampons and pads, are free in Scotland from now on. What do you think about the possible effects of this on other countries?

[bzcxx]

I personally feel that a portion of taxpayers money can go into providing free feminine and birth control products for free. Money should never be a discriminating factor or a deciding factor as to whether someone has access to said products. Having access to feminine products should be the right of every woman, regardless of race or income.

Especially prevalent in developing countries is the exceptionally large family size due to lack of family planning education and access to birth control. Birth control can prevent unwanted pregnancies (that lead to abortions or abandonment) as well as sexually transmitted diseases. Scientific papers have shown that unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases are MOST prevalent among the lower income group. If the government is able, birth control and feminine hygiene products should either be disbursed to lower income groups, or sold at a subsidised rate to prevent hogging (cases where some groups stock up these products in excess as they are free).

[bzcxx]

And sociology research*

[Anonymous]

Let’s do the math.

feminine hygiene = $4-10 + 10% increase inflation. Average $6 USD.

Scotland has less than 6 million population. Let’s use half the population as the basis.

$6 feminine products x 3 million woman = $216 million for monthly supply of feminine hygiene products annually payed for by taxpayers.

This is assuming women only get them as needed and don’t abuse them for any other purpose. Nor does it assume males get them who identify as woman.

now let’s calculate America’s cost:

180 million woman multiplied cost of hygiene annually = 13 trillion $$$ to supply women. This does not include anyone who would abuse the system and use these products for anything not intended.

these are just calculations and there are some other factors like women who entered menopause or girls who haven’t started their period.

outcome = all feminine hygiene products would be federalized. The government would only supply the cheapest possible feminine hygiene possible. The quality would drop exponentially. Women would prefer to buy the higher quality feminine hygiene products but still use the government products for other things or in case for emergencies. Taxes would skyrocket to compensate.

this is another example why medical care should never be payed for by the government. Look at any nation that has a substantial population like Canada, they have the poorest rated healthcare system and have to wait 6 months to see a specialist and don’t get to choose.

[MysticAngel5000]

I'm pretty sure they are not free at a store. I think they are just providing free supplies in most public areas like schools, bathrooms, shelters, etc.

My school nurse usually had some feminine supplies on hand. So, if you needed something, you could go to her office and ask. I know a lot of bathrooms offer feminine supplies but most of them cost a little money (usually $.25 - $.75 per item).

I don't have a problem with them providing free ones in public areas like schools. I mean why not? It sucks if you are out somewhere, start your period, but don't have anything with you at that moment.

I don't really agree with making pads/tampons 100% free EVERYWHERE... as in no one ever buys them from the store. They just simply grab them for free anytime. Freebies should be for those truly in need and who otherwise would not have the basic necessities they need. Everyone else should continue paying for what they need.

[BlueScorpio]

It's not going to happen in America, America's to greedy for that. Even if we did they will find another way to make us pay for it. Either through taxes or higher costs.

I personally never cared or was bothered by paying for menstrual products. Its like everything else in the store you have to buy. Plus you won't have to buy it so often if you budget and stock up, everytine you have extra cash, go get you pads or tampons.

There was moments were i didn't buy any for months. shopping at stores like dollar general helps you save more.

[Massageman]

IF this is true, I don't like the socialistic precedent it could set for others.

[Guffrus]

So socialist chess and post is ok but tampons are a red menace?

[hahahmm]

It boils down to broke women begging for free tampons because regardless of how much money they make, they'd rather spend a man's money. And most tax payers are men. Life was simpler when husbands provided for their wives. Even if she worked he was the protector/provider who made sure she had what she needed, NOT government. Ancient wisdom says when you give up responsibilities, you also give up freedom. The difference is instead of having to answer to your husband, now you answer to the men who run government.

[Part2603]

This sounds like a "solution" to a problem that doesn't exist. Who is this intended to help? Who exactly can't afford tampons?

Pretty sure in America if you're homeless you can just walk into any homeless shelter and I'm sure they'll give you a bar of soap and other hygiene items for free too. There are countless food drives, and clothing drives and government vouchers for housing, the list goes on and on. So don't tell me that if you're poor and can't afford tampons, that this new law address a gap in the existing welfare system.

[D_Bone_Steak]

Yay, I can't wait to pay more taxes for bleeding vaginas while I still pay for my face pube razors. They getting the money from the sales tax made from my face pube razors.

On a side note government issued 'stuff' is usually not what you really would want. The 'hevy flow' chicks are not going to be happy about their rabit fur maxi pads and having to rinse them out in the sink every 15 to 30 minutes while they're dripping blood all over the bathroom floor and down their legs. I bet they still will go to the store and buy the good stuff... and probably still get a man to pay for it somehow.

Look, I'm kinda taking some wise cracks at the 'muh women get free stuff' but the truth is I don't trust governments. Look for the scam and how they're about to take a 'problem' and like government always does... they make it worse. Somehow, some way, they're going to fuck it up. ... and they're going to funnel that much more money to themselves, and that's all this is really about.

[RavVid]

Being cynical, and without further research, I'd suspect a politician is looking for votes.

If said politician gets a significant uptick in the female vote then quite possibly. Especially in the UK since Scotland has only a devolved gov't (a bit like a state in the US and Australia) and the UK has an extensive health system that it could fit into.

Being even more cynical doubtless the Scottish gov't will have put it to tender (to get least cost) and I am gonna guess that some women are going to be angry that their preferred brand isn't covered by the scheme. It is exactly the wrong time to mess with women.

[globetrotter22]

There no such thing as “free”. The accurate headline is “Scotland is using tax payer money to fund menstrual products.”

The last I checked women pay taxes too. So no this isn’t “free”. And frankly I am really fed up with people looking for “free” handouts (man or woman).

[Guffrus]

As you dont understand what words mean, I will explain it to you.

In this context, free means 'free at the point of delivery'.

[globetrotter22]

@Guffrus “free at the point of delivery courtesy of the taxpayer”.

[MCheetah]

@globetrotter22
The only people who support this are lazy entitled women and mangina soyboys like the fat POS you're talking to there who I blocked. No one who isn't lazy or has a brain would support this.

[Guffrus]

So, are you also enraged about the communist chess tables in Central Park?

How many people even play chess in NYC?

[Guffrus]

@OlderAndWiser Your responce: report and block, fucking pathetic.

[OlderAndWiser]

@Guffrus "As you dont understand what words mean" Res ipsa loquitur.

[globetrotter22]

@Guffrus what exactly are you saying? We are all having a very hard time following you with these weird and bizarre “communist chess tables” analogies.

[MCheetah]

@globetrotter22
I keep trying to warn you... You only get 700,000 hours of life. Why waste several of them on Super Soy-ans like our POS hyper-Progressive mangina friend Guffrus there? I mean, I know there are quite a few Progressive, self-loathing male feminist types of GAG, but "Poor Man's Seth Rogen" might be the most extreme left of them all. I've come across this "you can smell him through the internet" manchild before. Why waste your time on dipsh*ts like him?

[globetrotter22]

@MCheetah I just DM’d you.

[Guffrus]

Quote: 'We are all'

No, no, no. You have one voice, you speak for yourself only, stop trying to add weight to your words by pretending you are a representative of a body of people. Even if that were the case an argument from popularity is a logical fallacy and so wouldn't help you anyway.

'Communist chess tables' isn't an analogy.

In central park in NYC there are chess tables, to the best of my knowledge these are not private tables, these are tax payer funded chess tables.

It not the only place but I'm not sure how common they are, they are certainly famous though.

I don't know why you are having any difficulty at all following what I am saying to you, it is perfectly straight forward: There are many examples of socialism or socialised costs and or services etc in America.

All of you and I do mean ALL of you who bang this drum are claiming to be ideologically opposed to socialised goods and services, it's all the devil's work and the ruination of any society and its economy but you have absolutely no consistency what so ever.

Socialise the cost of chess tables, the postal service, bailing out banks and big business etc, thats all fine, you have an issue with it when you personally might actually benefit from it in some way.

It's absurd.

[globetrotter22]

@Guffrus so what’s your proposal?

[Guffrus]

I am not asking you to do anything other than be consistent, I am simply pointing out to you the problem with your argument, that you are cherry picking.

One socialist thing is fine and another is not, you claim it is based on principles but in reality it isn't.

[globetrotter22]

@Guffrus can you point out what socialist benefit I said “was fine”. Maybe I did say that somewhere in the comments. But please let me know where. I am having trouble remembering.

[Guffrus]

Quote (Guffrus): are you also enraged about the communist chess tables in Central Park?

[globetrotter22]

@Guffrus i never knew about the communist chess tables until you mentioned it.

[Guffrus]

Alright, well what about bailing out the banks after they destroyed the global economy in 2008 with criminal actions?

[Guffrus]

How do you feel about the CIA and US military?

They consumes enormous amounts of tax payer money and are then used to overthrow governments and install puppet dictators who are favourable to US business interests and the world is effectively held to ransom by the petrol dollar status.

This is all socialism.

[Guffrus]

What about schools?

Why should people without children pay for schools?

[globetrotter22]

@Guffrus i actually pay very high property taxes for public schools and I don’t have any kids. I also know some of the kids going to the public school come from parents who pay nothing into taxes.

But it’s funny that you bring up schools. Post pandemic enrollment in charter schools are way up and enróllment in public schools are way down. Several reasons for that but if i get started on why we will go down a rabbit hole/tangent.

The funding of the CIA, military and defense institutions is another rabbit hole topic. But let’s pretend that the US military was disbanded tomorrow. What do you think would ultimately happen?

[Guffrus]

You are avoiding the point.

The argument you and everyone else here banging this drum has made is an ideological one, so it necessarily applies to everything.

If you have no issue paying for school when you dont have children then you cannot reject out of hand tax payer funded menstrual products.

Now, you might tell me that there are arguments which can be made supporting schools and chess board etc and yes, of course there are, but equally there are arguments which would support the menstrual products.

Your proposed question about the military is also a completely dishonest attempt to avoid the issue, clearly disbanding the worlds largest military literally over night would always come with negative consequences, especially as you have been making enemies etc. The entire idea is absurd, you know that it is and you want to be able to say that if you can't just instantly disband it then there must therefore be a requirement for maintaining it and conducting it exactly as you have been doing.

Removing the petrol dollar status even without removing the military would likely cause something like bankrupcy for the US and potentially other countries as well, certainly there would be extremely serious and wide reaching economic consequences to say the least but America wouldn't allow that to happen, that is what the military is for, that is why it is so big, they will burn the entire fucking world and everything in it to ashes before they let themselves fall.

That is one of many reasons why it is a problem and why i brought it up.

[globetrotter22]

@Guffrus no I am not avoiding the point. In fact it’s you who have been trying to put words in my mouth. You brought up very complex subjects like public education and military spending. I answered accordingly. And this whole conversation started over a debate about “free” tampons.

The word “free” is a euphemism and you know it. And yet people get all giddy and excited when they hear it. Like the government has the ability to wave a magic wand and materialize “free” goods and services out of thin air. This is indicative of deeper ideological problem that the government had the power to solve all societal problems. Therefore we must hand them more and eventually all power. That mentality is a precursor of communism and communism has never worked out for the long term benefit of any civilization.

You may accuse me of making a ludicrous reach since by saying free tampons lead to communism. Of course I am not saying that. But I am saying there is a growing ideological ignorance in western culture and it’s dangerous. Sure the USA and other capitalist society have their faults and are not without sin. But there is a reason why communist dictatorships often fail and why so many people try to escape to capitalist countries. I don’t see many people trying to flee to China, Cuba, NK or Venezuela.

[Guffrus]

Yes you are avoiding the point and you are still doing it.

The subjects dont have to be complicated and the original example was in fact chess boards in central park, there is nothing complicated about that. The complexities are in no way relevant because as I have already addressed any argument supporting X complex issue opens the door for the argument for tampons. What I am not allowing you to do is dismiss free tampons on ideological grounds while supporting other socialised costs at the same time, because this is a contradiction.

Socialism is not a precursor to communism, disaster is far more commonly the precursor to communism and it has also proven itself to be highly effective in these times. So no you cannot just say 'all communism always bad' because that is objectively wrong.

The United State IS NOT a capitalist country, it is a socialism as I have explained to you already, but which you should already know.

I will return you to (paraphrasing) 'are you also enraged by socialist chess boards or other similar simple examples of socialised costs?'

[globetrotter22]

@Guffrus it was nice talking to you man. I did carefully read your responses to try to make sense of what you are saying. Just a FYI not arguing to “be right” vs I am trying to figure out what IS right. Also you are semi correct about the USA not being a 100% capitalistic county. Especially with our current legislation and elected politicians.

But overall I am just not following you. Truth be told I was trying to find a common ground on something. But I don’t think that’s going to be possible. Anyway I wish you the best of luck out there.

[Guffrus]

Alright, so the situation is unfortunately that there is no 'right', whatever system you implement will have pros and cons and even when you have 2 systems which seem to be the same on the surface, they can in reality be radically different depending on the finer points of how they are implemented.

The argument for communism is that because the factory owner takes a share of the revenue as profit, the workers in the factory can never afford to buy the products that they make, this is entirely correct and is a legitimate problem, however it is viewed as unavoidable because without the profit motive there is no competition and advancement etc, this too is a completely legitimate problem.

So clearly there has to be some sort of middle ground, some kind of compromise and that compromise is socialism, though this is an infinitely broad topic.

So far this is just economics, but a nation also has a structure or lack there of, how free is it? (Free as in personal freedom.) On the political compass (. org) you can see that with a 2 axis template you can plot any concievable system somewhere in that space (though as previously mentioned 2 systems plotted on exactly the same position can still be radically different in their implementation (do you have free tampons or not?), this is just broad strokes of catagorisation.)

[Guffrus]

On the up down scale you have authoritarian at the top, something like a king or dictator and at the bottom you have anarchy, no government what so ever. On the left right you have communism through to capitalism.

Anarchism correctly identifies that any system which relies on mandatory taxation is immoral because taxation is theft.

It is difficult to imagine how an anarchism could work looking from where we are now but because of this core argument it can be viewed as the only possible answer to the 'what is the right system? question' and is likely the necessary prerequiste framework (ideological) within which humanity could then explore the various forms of voluntary organisations and associations serving the purposes currently served by government etc.

But there are problems with this as well, such as limited territory and resources etc and there being 2 schools of though within anarchism, is the world all shared or do we each have our own land? etc

[Guffrus]

The properties of an 'ideal' system would blend the benefits of capitalism and communism in a way which harnesses the best parts of each while avoiding the deficiency of both.

So for example something like a state owned means of production but with limited profit motive rewards for effort and innovation etc combined with the freedom to contribute in ones own style.

The closest example of this in the modern world that I can think of is Linux, ultimately it is free to own, free to modify, there are a number of different builds and cooperative teams and also individuals contributing as they like etc.

The people involved are rewarded, hopefully with things like patron etc.

Clearly there are some problems with the free nature of the end product and the way in which people are rewarded but those problems could be addressed and solutions to those problems found.

This could be applied to everything, perhaps along with something like a universal basic income.

Such a system, created within an anarchist framework would likely be as close to perfect as is achieveable.

[Guffrus]

A benevolent AI could also be key to creating such a system.

[petitedollbabee]

I hope so. A period is not something we can control, we can’t hold it in or choose when we have it (unless hormonal birth control is involved, which causes a lot of health issues). I’ve never understood why we should have to pay for products to deal with it.

[MysticAngel5000]

Toilet paper is a necessity. We have to use it. We can't hold it in. So should toilet paper be free too? How are these facilities going to obtain enough pads/tampons to give to everyone? What kind of limitations will be in place? Someone has to supply these items. Will the feminine hygiene companies just donate them or something?

[cryscrys1]

I agree with you OP! It’s ideal if they provide it monthly it can even be limited. Let’s say a person can get 2 packages etc.

[Emilyis]

@MysticAngel5000 great point, I was just thinking the same thing. How will the feminine hygiene company's make any profit from their products?

[cryscrys1]

It’s ok this won’t happen in US. Don’t worry about your tax

[cryscrys1]

There won’t be placing them in stores or cvs for fee everyone get one. It’s very structured and limited. They are also doing this partially in my country.

[cryscrys1]

I think it would be ideal for poor countries but well.. hard to happen

[Dazed0N0Confused]

As they should be! It's not our fault that nature makes us bleed for days or even weeks (some, not all, endometriosis patients know what i mean here). They're outrageously over priced to begin with! Good for Scotland & I hope this follows to other nations!

[TheoPfeifle]

We give toilet paper for free in restrooms... Facial tissue is generally available for free in various places... Napkins are free at restaurants. Why not give out other hygienic products that are necessary accomodations for natural body functions? Crazy how misogynistic society gets... Especially about monthly cycles.

[Aerissa_Jade]

Did they pass a law requiring workers to create them without pay? How exactly did they make them free, cause I'd say slavery is not a pioneer for other countries.

[Pinay_ako]

So who’s paying for the labor, materials and rent costs for the companies who are making them? Remember they’re businesses too with employees and bills to pay? So to answer this question, NOTHING is free!

[Guffrus]

As you dont understand what words mean, I will explain it to you.

In this context, 'free' means 'free at the point of delivery'.

[RealMarek]

They did not make them “free.” What they did was take wealth from one group of people to pay for another group’s menstrual products. If they print money to pay for this everyone who has currency pays through inflation. Remember: No material product is ever free. You either pay or you take, but someone always pays.

[Snsl153]

They're not free though, because someone somewhere along the line will have to pay for these products. Who will that be? Everyone, even those who do not and perhaps never will use them?

I'm just trying to be fair and sensible here, and this proposal is anything but.

[MCheetah]

Nothing is ever "free." I'm guessing condoms and male-only products won't be free though because "patriarchy does enough damage" or some sh*t.

Well, Scotland is cucked. No point in finding any men there, anymore. They chopped their balls off and went the way of Sweden. Can't say I feel sorry for Scotland.

[MCheetah]

Also, for any womanchild or mangina that disagrees with me... If you're that much of an invalid and child that you can't take care of your own bodily hygiene (and yes, pads are a hygienic issue, not a health issue), then you have proven you are too unfit to have an opinion in society, let alone vote. Just become one of those adult baby diaper-wearers that internet sickos like to fetishize and stop pretending you're someone to take seriously.

I mean, come the F**K on! We have grown-ass adults wanting free sh*t to take care of themselves. That's the epitome of "I can't adult and need to literally be taken care of like a 26 year old baby." It is not worth respect and it is NOT worth taking seriously, you f*cking womanchildren losers.

[menina]

I think it's great! It will help a lot of girls and women who can't afford menstrual products. Unfortunately I don't think this will be done in other countries. Not everyone understands that having a period is not a choice and in general the world doesn't care about women.

[Levin]

They're not free, they're paid for by the tax payer.

I don't know how the Scottish budget works, but I do know the UK's national debt is around 104% of GDP.

Yet the magic money tree keeps on giving. Oh, what a benevolent government, giving the money away of its taxpayers!

[Guffrus]

As you dont understand what words mean, I will explain it to you.

In this context, 'free' means 'free at the point of delivery'.

[OlderAndWiser]

@Guffrus "As you dont understand what words mean, I will explain it to you." How condescending! Or did YOU miss the point? Conservatives are tired of the leftist game of offering "free" stuff to their constiuency to maintain its power base, and calling it "free" is an intentional misnomer to mask the tax consequences of socialism. Understand?

I'm sure you won't agree and will respond with talking points from the last indoctrination session you attended.

[Guffrus]

@OlderAndWiser Do you even know what the 'consequences' are?

[OlderAndWiser]

@Guffrus I am not here to be insulted by you.

[Guffrus]

@OlderAndWiser Did it occur to you at any point that presuming that people are so fucking stupid that they think that things provided by the government literally dont cost anything and are some how magicked into existance is condesending?

You have no issue with that, you only have an issue when i am condesending because of your world view.

I geniunely do not think that you understand the variables when something is socialised, i strongly suspect that you are only capable of viewing negative aspects and are incapable of perceiving benefits.

Do you realise that Central Park in NYC has socialist chess boards?

Is that a problem for you?

What about the postal service?

That is socialist.

[OlderAndWiser]

@Guffrus Leftists who have drank too much KoolAid bore me.

[Guffrus]

@OlderAndWiser In other words I just presented a problem for your world view which you are incapable of addressing in a coherant manner so you will just pretend it didn't happen.

[OlderAndWiser]

@Guffrus No, in other words, I think you are a thouroughly indoctrinated leftist who thinks that he should keep arguing until the other side is "forced" to "admit" that you are correct, and any discussion wih you is a waste of time, I also think that giving you hints that I do not wish to continue any discussion with you is useless.

If you want to think that my refusing to continue is a confession that you are correct, then think that if it makes you feel better.

[Guffrus]

@OlderAndWiser You are talking about yourself not me, that is exactly you.

How can you not see that?

It's so fucking obvious.

I dont particularly care about the economics of it, what I care about is personal freedom.

The fact of the matter is that whatever you choose there are pros and cons to it, but you dont understand that, because YOU HAVE BEEN INDOCTRINATED.

[OlderAndWiser]

@guffrus Your response was SO predictable. You insist on arguing until the other side is "forced" to "admit" that you are correct. Think whatever you want but obviously, hints don't work and you wil continue ad nauseum.

[purplepoppy]

This is no different to providing free toilet paper. The cost of branded tampons is about 20p each and supermarket brands can work out around 5p each. That's probably less than you wipe your arse with on a daily basis.

[MCheetah]

Thank you for letting us all know you don't really wipe your ass very well and you're walking around with stank-butt all day. (For the record, I have a bidet, plus wet wipes, plus TP for the finale.)

[Dalisay409]

They're not free. Nothing is free. So now your friends, neighbors and family are all paying for my tampons. Why stop there? Let's just go full Marxism.

[Guffrus]

As you dont understand what words mean, I will explain it to you.

In this context, 'free' means 'free at the point of delivery'.

[Dalisay409]

@Guffrus I understand the meaning of free. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people seem not to understand that free means taxpayer subsides. Thus, I explained that to them.

[IndyZee]

@Guffrus apparently, you don't understand the concept of economics

[Farmer27]

Holy shit you are dumb.

[Guffrus]

Firstly, the vast majority of people think that 'free at the point of delivery' means 'paid for by the tax payer' but that isn't even true anyway, no one is paying for any of this shit, we are all of us, every country in the world, or near enough is just racking up completely unsustainable amounts of debt, we are paying the interest, not the principle so the fact of the matter is that no one is that no one alive will ever pay for it.

What will happen is that our nations will go bankrupt and either then be owned by the rich and or there will be a lot of wars etc.

Doom is most certainly coming.

[Guffrus]

principal*

[Guffrus]

@Farmer27 What is the basis for your claim?

[Guffrus]

@IndyZee Again, what is the basis of your claim?

What is it that you think I dont understand?

[Dalisay409]

@Guffrus spot on. It's even worse that robbing from Peter to pay Paul. It's generational theft from the unborn. So those who will pay for it are the only ones with zero representation in government. So we agree 100 percent. You can stop arguing with me now. You've agreed with me the whole time.

[SolitarySolace]

Gov. Shitmer here in Michigan did the same. Because all she gives a rats ass about are women. Probably because she is one. She views men as Neanderthals and second class citizens compared to women. Unless you’re a woman like Tudor Dixon of course… who’s going to kick Shitmer’s ass in November

[Subarugirl]

isn't that what men have been doing literally since the beginning of time? Now you have a problem because they are getting sanitary products covered...… Funny how you don't seem to take issue with the fact that the US government spends over 84million a year on erectile disfunction medication...

[SolitarySolace]

And what good is that 84Mil actually doing?

[Subarugirl]

giving boners apparently... which apparently is a more important issue than hygiene products fort half the population spending a quarter of their adult lives bleeding...

[SolitarySolace]

How are they doing that with 84Mil?

[Subarugirl]

they are using it to purchase erectile dysfunction medication and giving it away...

[bolverk]

I have no feelings about it even though I have 4 sisters, what is really strange is they have a bloke giving advice on something he cannot have any personal experience of.

[OlderAndWiser]

How can they make them free? There is a cost of producing raw materials, a cost of manufacturing, labor and transportation costs, etc. They CAN'T be free!

[MrsTurkleton]

I think they will be basic, cheaply made products that don’t do a great job.
It won’t be the big commercial brands

[OlderAndWiser]

@MrsTurkleton They still aren't FREE! Someone must pay for them.

[MrsTurkleton]

Toilet paper isn’t free to make, but public places still provide it.
Condoms aren’t free to make, but many universities still provide those, as do many pharmacies….

[OlderAndWiser]

@MrsTurkleton And SOMEONE pays for all of those things.

[globetrotter22]

@mrsturkleton there is and never will be anything that is “free”. Free items don’t magically materialize from a government mandate. Someone will always pay for something.

Both men and women just pay more taxes.

[Massageman]

@MrsTurkleton Hello there. TP provided in public places is a cost of doing business IN that public place.

[Anonymous]

For Idiots who say toilet paper should be free too
Not trying to be rude. But that’s offensive toward women and women with uterus who bleed. I understand you are a men and you have no idea and don’t care. But you can’t compare toilet paper with sanitary pads. You can’t compare anus pooping with VAGINAL BLEEDING where you are constantly bleeding for 7 days.. all day



Thank you

[MysticAngel5000]

1. You do not bleed non-stop for 7 straight days. Many women only bleed for 3-4 days. Not everyone is the same. Cycles vary in length as well as flow. Some are heavier than others. Many women also experience just spotting/discharge instead of actual bleeding during their last day or two of their cycle.

2. Yes, toilet paper IS a necessity. You can't very well hold in your poop and pee. You need to wipe with something to be clean. Most people pee several times a day and poop at least once a day or every other day. There's a big need for toilet paper.

[MCheetah]

@Anonymous
Your pussy is not everyone else's problem and women lived for tens of thousands of years without menstrual pads. Grow the fuck up.

[Opinion Owner]

Say this to masai tribes in Africa women who hide in to their tiny house for days because they don’t have pads not even clothes to wear.. they place a LEAFE into their “ pussy” when it’s a must for them to go out.

[Opinion Owner]

For your poop use your hands to wipe it ! Not all 12 years old have parents to give them 5$ for a pad!! Schools have to provide it for free it’s so many issues going on I know tap water blocked your brain but have some common sense especially if you are a woman. As a women you must be aware of things like endometriosis or pcos. that can last up to even 15 days. There is a reason why this topic is so huge in many counties especially poor countries. Yes I know Americans suffer a lot Joe Biden might have a root canal or a molar to fill i know this world has “” so so many problems “” and we can’t discuss about mEnsTruAtioN and pAdS but In this case we are talking about pads and find a solution about it. Especially for poor countries. This is why this world is fucked up because of people like you 2!

[Opinion Owner]

Your anus is not everyone’s problem too. What can I say hold your shit man.

[Opinion Owner]

@mysticangel5000 I believe toilet paper is free. Go to a hospital , any public area you will find it there. Wipe your ass there and go back home, you can even take some papers home too. It’s ok it’s not stealing because in situations as having to poop which is insanely hard to control once a day deal because you ate too much tacos stealing a toilet paper won't matter.

[MCheetah]

@Anonymous
I'm not the manchild/womanchild too cheap, lazy, and entitled to take care of her own fucking personal hygiene. This is shit we teach to children and you want people to just give it to you for free and expect to be taken seriously as an adult after that? If you're "too poor" to afford pads, tampons, or toilet paper (which you can *already* get for free at any homeless shelter), you've got bigger issues in life.

Seriously, people need to grow the fuck up and stop asking the government to be their daddy for them. Ironically, these same kind of entitled womanchildren like to accuse *guys* of being immature little shits.

[MysticAngel5000]

How stupid. What if you can't make it to a public area in time? Are you just going to have an accident and sh*t yourself?

[douride2]

They aren't free. Tax dollars pay for. As far as I am concerned we already pay way to much in taxes.

[Anonymous]

They aren't free. Taxpayers pay. Put it this way where I live in the UK they stopped giving out free antihistamines for hay-fever and free paracetamol because it cost the NHS up to £10 per box while you cam walk into b&m bargains and buy the same product for 35p and it will be the same story with tampons and maxi pads though it will take a while for the Scottish government to realise it.

[hyperben]

exactly correct... Boots will probably be supplying them to the NHS for £30 a pack. Its profiteering with exorbitant and mysterious "admin" charges for handling it rather than doing something decent for society.

[Opinion Owner]

@hyperben yeah you get it "free" but end up paying more for all these minor freebies as a taxpayer

[hyperben]

I can deal with my tax contributions going to assist people who need it, whether they be old folks on busses, people struggling to make ends meet (including the furlough scheme), medical and feminine products, I can get behind that but I detest that there are companies ripping off the government that we pay for

[Opinion Owner]

@hyperben social programmes are great and all depending but ultimately its the taxpayer that has to pay. Its like giving someone a birthday present then asking that person to pay for it.

[hyperben]

as I said, Im happy for tax to be spent on the people who need it, at least something good for society comes from it, I'm not happy with the greed of the people supplying the public sector. The problem is not that there are too many needy people, there are too many greedy people.

The decline in social care in the UK is to everyones detrement, my own personal experience of this is the loss of a family member who was killed by an individual that never received the psychiatric assistance they needed

[2Wheels]

This is so wrong on so many levels.
Why not make toilet paper free instead and it benefits everyone? Siding to women is just messed up.

[PrettyPriya]

Do you regularly pay for toilet paper when you use a public restroom? Weird.

[WonderBell99]

@PrettyPriya I was about to ask the same.. lol

[IndyZee]

@PrettyPriya every taxpayer does, yes

[2Wheels]

@PrettyPriya and @WonderBell99, you may want to read the question again. It did not mention anything about "public washrooms". It said free in general. 🤦‍♀️

[MysticAngel5000]

How does a public restroom matter? Are you implying everyone should just use the bathroom in public areas to avoid buying toilet paper? Lol

Some people have "phobias" of public bathrooms. They are either uncomfortable going around other people or they are simply grossed out by public bathrooms because so many people use them and so many of them are dirty.

You do regularly buy toilet paper. How much you buy and how often depends on how many people are in your household, how much you use, etc.

You do not have to buy pads or tampons DAILY. They come with so many per package. How many you use depends on how heavy and long your cycle is. Some girls may need a package or two per month. Others may be able to get 2 months out of one package. It depends.

A lot of public restrooms have dispensers for pads/tampons as well. Some of these are free, others cost a little money (I've seen free, I've seen $.25 and I've seen $.50 or $.75 per item).

You can also obtain supplies from local shelters if you are truly in desperate need. There are homeless shelters as well as women's shelters. Both should have pads/tampons as well as other personal care items.

[2Wheels]

@mystic, I'm not even going to waste my time reading past your first paragraph. Learn to read before you make an assumption about something. I never once said anything about public washrooms. No idea what you're even going off on me for and really don't care.
I don't feed trolls unless I want some entertainment. Enjoy your day.

[MysticAngel5000]

That was directed to the one who commented and asked if people paid for toilet paper in public restrooms. I think YOU need to learn to read.

[2Wheels]

@MysticAngel5000 Ohh okay. Maybe tag next time so there's no confusion. 😉

[PrettyPriya]

Goo god. answer my question. When was the last time you paid for toilet paper in a public restroom? Simples. Just answer that.

[PrettyPriya]

*good

[2Wheels]

@PrettyPriya Your question is pointless, that's why. 😄

[PrettyPriya]

No it isn't. You just don't want to answer it because you know you will contradict yourself. Pathetic. I will just mute this post as there is no point in arguing with someone that can't answer the simplest of questions.

[2Wheels]

Sure, okay. Yeah, that's the reason. 😂

[Straight2thepoint]

I don't care. I don't live there. Good for them. Any one that lives there, I'm happy for you. If you don't, focus where you live. Stop trying to get free shit without looking at the consequences. Learn how business works and then ask that dumb question again.

[Bob92220]

I understand that menstrual products are necessary.

But so is toilet paper. Shouldn't toilet paper be free too?

[globetrotter22]

Will someone pay for my prostate exam when I get older? I got a 95% chance of getting prostate cancer when I get over 55 (both my dad and grandpa had it). Will that be “free” too since it’s a side of effect of being a man?

[Bob92220]

@globetrotter22
This is an argument for free health care like they have in Canada. But it's really not free because people pay taxes to support it.

[globetrotter22]

@Bob92220 and you got to wait in line for treatment.

But lots of these countries including Canada don’t have Mexico south of the border. The stupid American leftist assume the USA can just “mirror” Sweden and there won’t be any problems.

[Bob92220]

@globetrotter22
I belong to Kaiser Permanente Health Care and I pay a hefty monthly fee for it. But I have to wait in line too. I think the longest I had to wait was one hour.

[ElementoP]

"Free!"

Nothing's free bitch. The government is picking up the tab with tax payer's money. I'm not paying to clean up your pussy blood

[TheoPfeifle]

No TP for you in public restrooms. I'm not paying to wipe your butt.

It's a hygiene product comparable to TP... It's a necessary aid for natural body function.

[kylee2437]

Hmmm when there’s national shortages going on in this country with tampons and such, I think it’s pretty awful that a country is making them too accessible to a point where it can create even more shortages

[Oigit]

Something tells me they are not free and the citizens are paying for them via taxes. Simply because the company making them isn't going to give something away for free when they cost money to manufacture, package and distribute.

[BCA6010]

"Free" meaning taxpayer-subsidized.

I do think most western countries will eventually do this, but the "free" products are going to be the crappiest products made by the lowest bidder for the worst value.

[Cubus]

It's not free, because you pay it in your taxes. The state can't give you anything, because the state has nothing in its own. It can only give you something either you or other people paid in taxes.

[Cubus]

*on its own

[jshm2]

You're confused. They are not free.

School kids and young adults will be able to get them in school and college. That is all.

Just as napkins and tissues are free in such places.

[Anonymous]

Probably means you can expect a lot more wastage of menstrual products. For starters we could stock all the men's rooms with equal amounts of these "free" menstrual products for all those millions of "menstruating men." LMFAO!

Congratulations woke-tards--you just let big corporations like P&G and Unilever bend you over and fuck you in the ass!

[Adam1978]

This will make some women use them as rags and regular cleaning products, just because they are free and the consumption will sky rocket. Free always leads to abuse and waste of the product.

[worldscolide]

It's ignorance to say that any product is free. The tax payers are paying for it. So in a round about way you're still paying for them.. No one is entitled to the services or products of another for free.

[20yearsolder]

I would think free condoms would be much more important. I honestly don't understand why handing out free tampons and maxi pads helps anything but the pocketbook.

[dustybiker]

You hit the nail in your own words and didn’t see it.

[XXblack88]

If Scotland is anything like the USA free means the taxpayers are paying for it. So I hope it doesn't.

[Ga-girl]

Right

[globetrotter22]

Finally I see (two) women on here who have some common sense about what the word “free”. I almost expect young women in their teens and early 20s to just assume this is magically for free. But there are grown ass women in their 40s getting all excited about this. They still don’t know what the word “free” really means. It’s pathetic.

[Ga-girl]

Nothing in the world is free

[Anonymous]

It's a nice idea don't get me wrong but I guess there is the question of where the money will come from cause I'm gonna be honest there is a lot of issues in many countries and can't solve everything sadly and I doubt we ever will be able to. So as much as I do think it's a great idea I'd want to know about the cost management side of it.

[Midgetmcwidget]

Barnett formula, they don’t care England pays.

[Bluemax]

Why not free food?

It's not free. Scotland has made it so that all taxpayers must pay for them.

[14JDPO]

That would be great if they did - feminine products get so expensive - especially for women with very heavy or long periods. :)

[globetrotter22]

Your 40 years old. You should know that NOTHING is free. This being paid for tax payer money.

[14JDPO]

@globetrotter22, yes, but I also believe in universal healthcare - we should be taking care of our citizens - even if it means my taxes will be higher to do so, as healthcare should be a basic right and not a luxury (and with insurance/medical costs being so expensive here in the US, good medical care is more of a luxury for those who can afford it)... and yes, feminine products are part of that health care (in my opinion anyway).

[globetrotter22]

@14JDPO and why is healthcare so expensive in the first place? I take it you also believe that there should be “free” healthcare for illegal immigrants? This is already happening at our border. People who have never paid US taxes (and will likely never in the future) are taking advantage of healthcare services when they enter illegally. One example are immigrant pregnant women who intentionally cross the border illegally at the end of their third trimester. If they go into delivery they will get the baby delivered for free along with an “anchor baby” born in the United States.

Now in theory I can understand these people come from horrible situations. I’ve been south of the border for extended amounts of time. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. But do you see pregnant Americans fleeing to other countries to get tax payer funded healthcare? Why should legal citizens have to bare the tax burden for people who break the law?

Healthcare is complicated subject. But this socialism and huge taxation will severely damage our economy (which is already in trouble). And you can NOT magically mirror off Sweden’s policies and think it’s going to magically work in the USA. They don’t have Mexico south of the border. They don’t have 330+ million people. Their population is much more homogenous (and so is Canada’s).

[dustybiker]

Excellent for them! Will it dent the selfish and warped beliefs of other countries. Doubtful.

[globetrotter22]

“Selfish and warped” to not use tax payer money to pay for things like this?

I have seen lots of young and dumb people jump and down when they hear the word “free”. Many of them are naive and don’t know how economics work.

But you are a good damn grown ass adult in your 40s. You should know there is no such thing as “free”.

[dustybiker]

@globetrotter22 Didn’t read my reply and ran with your assumptions. That was funny though.

[Flower7]

I don’t think their decision will affect other countries, but I’m glad to hear that they did that.

[captain_voidwalker]

Let's correct that statement, Scotland made taxpayers pay for menstrual products. Nothing in life is free.

[joeldalton]

They're free? the companies that make them go without paying their workers? The companies that provide utilities and raw materials go without pay also?

[Avicenna]

Government must be buying them from campaign contributors

[joeldalton]

@Avicenna I thought strong, independent wamen don't need no man. Now they need a man to pay for their tampons

[Avicenna]

Good point...

[Anonymous]

i use a cup. i haven't used tampons or pads in like 5 years. so this makes no difference to me. and plus it'll NEVER happen in america.

[josephinelcajon]

I agree with tax free, and I agree with helping those on disability or unemployment but not free.

[KatherineJ]

I understand the idea, but at the end of the day, there are costs. So who gets the bill?

[globetrotter22]

Taxpayers of course. You are in the minority of women on here who know what “free” really means.

[KatherineJ]

@globetrotter22 I mean it sounds good in theory, but it’s not society’s responsibility to provide those things just because we menstruate.

[globetrotter22]

@KatherineJ And I agree 100%.

I get more concerned and pissed off how grown adults jump up and down at the mention of “free”. This is how communism takes over: they promise “free” things. I know that sounds like a quite a stretch when we are just talking about tampons. But it’s the psychology of entitlement that’s scary.

[Curmudgeon]

They aren't "Free", someone else is paying for them.

[Avicenna]

No, I don't think that is a model for other countries. Contraception should be given away, though.

[John_Doesnt]

If women have more disposable income this will benefit every other business.

The only thing working class has to lose from this is their chains.

[MysticDevice]

By "free" I'm sure they mean taxpayer funded. It still costs money to manufacture and distribute the product. All that changed is now everyone pays for them instead of just those who actually use it.

[SolitarySolace]

Well that’s sexist. Now men have to pay for women’s stuff yet women don’t have to pay for men’s? How is that equality?

[Emilyis]

Well that's interesting but I doubt it will ever happen here in the USA.

[Smoke-n-Growls]

I certainly hope so! It'd be nice to see tax breaks on bras as well.

[itsalyssaagain]

I wish this would happen in England. I spend so much on menstrual products every day and not to mention some people can't even afford them.

[ShaTTeredMasterpeace]

Do I think it should be? Absolutely. Will it be? Probably not.

[Red-Blaze]

Unlikely but good on them
I just think most places like there taxes

[007kingifrit]

of course not it's ridiculous. pay for the things you use or they will go down in quality

the west is running out of wealth, you won't be doing this kind of thing much longer

[crossdressingrihno]

I don’t think this would go over well in the United States however I do like the idea.

[crossdressingrihno]

Also while we’re at it can we ban tampons? Just tampons pads are totally fine.

I’ve heard that tampons actually have health risks to them and since the tampons job is just to prevent blood from getting everywhere there should be plenty of good alternatives m

[slatyb]

I hope contraception is free too. It should be everywhere.

[Juan4574]

Nope, should be illegal

[slatyb]

@Juan4574 Do you like having sex?