Forest Hills Congresswoman's Menstrual Hygiene Bills Aproved By House Committee

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS - United States Rep. Grace Meng announced this week that two of her provisions to promote the safety and accessibility of menstrual hygiene products have been included in key appropriations legislation, according to a recent release.

The first provision encourages the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue proper guidance on the use of colorants in menstrual hygiene cosmetic products, included now in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

The second directs the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to report on how its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programs ensure availability of hygiene products, now included in the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations bill. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

"There is no reason women should be using menstrual hygiene products that are potentially unsafe or be struggling to maintain proper hygiene while on their periods," Meng said in the release.

Both bills have been approved by the House Appropriations Committee and might now head to the House floor for a vote, according to the release.

Image via U.S. Government Printing Office