H.R.es372 - Recognizing the impact the stigmatization of menstruation has on the lives of women, girls, and people who menstruate, and expressing support for the designation of the month of May as National Menstrual Health Awareness Month. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Res.372 aims to recognize the impact of menstrual stigma and support the designation of May as National Menstrual Health Awareness Month. The resolution highlights the importance of menstrual health as an integral part of overall health and acknowledges the challenges faced by women, girls, and people who menstruate due to stigma and lack of access to resources.
It emphasizes the need for education, access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities, and clinical research on menstrual health conditions. The resolution also seeks to normalize menstruation as a healthy biological process and eliminate period stigma.
Ultimately, the resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for addressing menstrual health disparities and promoting gender equity and equality.
Expected Effects
If passed, this resolution would raise awareness about menstrual health issues and potentially lead to increased funding and resources for research, education, and access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities. It could also contribute to reducing the stigma associated with menstruation and promoting more open conversations about menstrual health.
This could lead to improved health outcomes and greater gender equity for women, girls, and people who menstruate. The designation of a National Menstrual Health Awareness Month could also encourage schools, workplaces, and communities to implement policies and programs that support menstrual health.
Potential Benefits
- Increased awareness and reduced stigma surrounding menstruation.
- Improved access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities, particularly in schools and workplaces.
- Enhanced education about menstrual health and its impact on overall well-being.
- Greater investment in clinical research on menstrual health conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Promotion of gender equity and equality by addressing menstrual health disparities.
Potential Disadvantages
- The resolution itself does not allocate any funding or create any new programs, so its impact may be limited to raising awareness.
- Opposition may arise from those who believe that menstruation is a private matter or that focusing on menstrual health is a distraction from other important issues.
- The resolution's broad language regarding "people who menstruate" may be controversial for some.
- There may be challenges in implementing the goals of the resolution, such as developing new standards for menstrual health education and care.
- The focus on menstrual health may inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes or exclude individuals who do not identify as women but still menstruate.
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it seeks to promote the health and well-being of a significant portion of the population. While the Constitution does not explicitly address menstrual health, the resolution's goals of promoting gender equity and reducing discrimination could be seen as consistent with the principles of equal protection under the law.
However, some may argue that the federal government's involvement in menstrual health issues is beyond the scope of its enumerated powers. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people, and some may argue that health and education are primarily state responsibilities.
Ultimately, the constitutionality of this resolution is unlikely to be challenged in court, as it is a non-binding expression of support for a particular cause.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).