Letter to US Governors - Provide Feminine Hygiene Products at No Cost to Female Inmates in Police Lockups

Letter

Dear Governor [Name],

I write to share with you the attached news story "State Requires Feminine Hygiene Products for Female Detainees" published by the Times Union in Albany, New York two months ago. As you will see, the New York State Commission of Correction recently adopted a rule requiring police lockups to have feminine-hygiene products on hand for female detainees. I am unsure if your state currently requires similar preparedness for each of its lockups, but I respectfully encourage you to adopt such a policy if one is not already in place.

This request is consistent with the new policy implemented by the Federal Bureau of Prisons on August 9, 2017. Operations Memorandum 001-2017 now requires that all federal "inmates [be] provided the following products (at no cost to the inmates): Tampons, regular and super-size; Maxi Pads with wings, regular and super-size; and Panty liners, regular." It is my hope that every state will follow this common-sense and compassionate example, and, at the very least, simply ensure that feminine hygiene products are available to those who may need them.

If your state already has a relevant policy in place, sincerely, thank you. If it does not, I would like you to know that the New York State Commission of Correction, when considering this matter, estimated that the annual cost per lockup in New York would only be $5.71. I imagine the cost in your state would be comparable. Personally, I feel that this is a small price to pay for the health and well-being of female inmates and detainees in your care.

Again, thank you for your consideration of this matter and this letter. If I may ever be of help to you or the citizens of your great state, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime.

Sincerely,

Source