Bill > S3425

Introduced Session

This bill, the "Menstrual Equity for Haitian Migrants Act," requires the Department of Health (DOH) to establish a Menstrual Equity for Haitian Migrants Program to purchase menstrual hygiene products and provide such products at no cost to Haitian migrants who have arrived in the State at least two years prior to the effective date of the bill. Under the bill's provisions, the DOH is to contract with community-based, faith-based, and non-profit organizations specifically serving Haitian migrants to distribute sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and other menstrual hygiene products deemed necessary by individuals who menstruate. The DOH is also directed to conduct outreach activities to ensure that eligible Haitian migrants are made aware of the program and the organizations contracted to distribute menstrual hygiene products. The program is to be funded by and subject to annual appropriations allocated to the DOH from the General Fund for the purchase and distribution of menstrual hygiene products, and the DOH may apply for and accept any grant of money from the State or federal government or other sources, which may be available for programs related to period inequity and menstrual health services. The bill requires the DOH to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature on the effectiveness of, and any recommendations for legislative or administrative action necessary to improve, the program. Period inequity and period poverty significantly impacts the health, dignity, and overall well-being of individuals, especially among marginalized and newly arrived migrant populations. Haitian migrants, as part of these vulnerable groups, often face substantial challenges in accessing basic menstrual hygiene products due to economic, cultural, and logistical barriers. Recent data from the American Community Survey indicates that approximately 46,000 Haitian migrants reside in New Jersey, making up six percent of the State's immigrant population. Addressing the availability of menstrual hygiene products for Haitian migrants is essential for ensuring this population's health and promoting the dignity of a community that has made and continues to make important contributions to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of this State. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the State to support the health and dignity of, and mitigate the economic, cultural, and logistical barriers challenges faced by, Haitian migrants through the creation of a program that ensures the provision of necessary menstrual hygiene products to help this population thrive in the State of New Jersey.

Committee Categories

Teresa Ruiz (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 06/10/2024)

Official Document