New NY Law Tackling 'Period Poverty' Motivated By Scarsdale Sisters

SCARSDALE, NY — A new law of the land was driven by two high school students who came face to face with inequity while making plans for their futures.

Assemblymember Amy Paulin announced that Gov. Hochul has signed into law the bill she authored which addresses period poverty by requiring public colleges and universities to provide free menstrual products in their restrooms.

The origins of the law started with a journey across the Empire State.

Two sisters and Scarsdale High School students, Katherine and Elizabeth Sanchez, while touring colleges, saw a disparity in the availability of free menstrual products and approached Paulin to author a law.

The pair told Paulin that because of the cost, some women may go without changing for long lengths of time which can lead to health risks. They met with Paulin in her home in Scarsdale, asking her to propose the bill, and continually followed up on its progress, according to the lawmaker.

More recently, after the bill passed in the Assembly and Senate, they wrote a letter to Governor Hochul urging her to sign the bill.

"When we first began this journey, Elizabeth and I turned to Assemblywoman Paulin, a crusader for women’s rights," Katherine Sanchez explained. "Her support of this bill from day one was invaluable, and I am thrilled to see these much-needed products made available to any woman who may need them. One state down, many more to go."

Her sister and partner in advocacy, Elizabeth Sanchez, said that once her eyes were opened to the problem, the next steps were clear.

"As a rising senior in high school, I visited many colleges and universities and was shocked to see the inequality, in terms of availability, of these products," said Elizabeth Sanchez. "My sister and I knew that we needed to act and make a change. To have these free products in all New York State colleges and universities is a triumph for women’s rights and socioeconomic equity. Katherine and I are proud lifelong New Yorkers and are forever thankful to Assemblywoman Paulin, State Senator Hinchey, and Governor Hochul for signing this important bill into law."

Paulin said that the new law is not just a matter of equality, but a matter of health as well.

"It was wonderful for me to meet with Katherine and Elizabeth, and I appreciate their initiative and advocacy for this important bill," said Paulin. "The stress that comes from being unprepared at school with no menstrual products at one’s disposal is real, and can lead to a disruption of school and learning. These products have always been relatively expensive, and there are women who cannot afford to purchase an endless supply for changing, which can lead to health issues. There is a serious need for women to have access to these necessary items at no cost."