A bill requiring Ohio prisons to provide free feminine hygiene products to incarcerated women has progressed in the legislative process. The Ohio House passed House Bill 29 unanimously, mandating the provision of pads and tampons in various sizes and ensuring access to at least one shower daily for menstruating inmates.
Sponsored by Representatives Latyna Humphrey and Marilyn John, the bipartisan legislation aims to prevent the denial of hygiene products to inmates and necessitates formal distribution policies within correctional facilities. The bill received support during hearings, with Zachary Miller emphasizing the critical healthcare nature of these products and the potential health risks associated with limited access.
Former female inmates shared testimonies highlighting the challenges faced due to inadequate access to feminine hygiene products, recounting instances where they resorted to makeshift alternatives like socks or toilet paper. Ohio currently lacks a law mandating the provision of these products, despite the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s policy issued in 2022.
The bill’s passage in the House signifies a significant step toward addressing the issue of access to feminine hygiene products in correctional facilities. With an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 women incarcerated in Ohio, the proposed legislation aims to ensure consistent and reliable access to these essential items.
While the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction has a policy in place for providing free feminine hygiene products, concerns persist regarding the reliability of access, prompting the need for legislative action. The bill’s movement to the Senate for further deliberation underscores the importance of addressing this issue to align with the practices of other states.
If signed into law, Ohio would join 25 other states with similar statutes, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the dignity and well-being of incarcerated women by guaranteeing access to essential hygiene products. The bipartisan support and public testimonies signal a positive shift toward recognizing and addressing the unique needs of female inmates within the criminal justice system.
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