Substitute for House Resolution No. 303.

            A resolution to declare May 28, 2016, as Menstrual Hygiene Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Menstrual Hygiene Day serves to increase public awareness of the need to ensure women and girls are able to maintain healthy menstruation practices; and

            Whereas, Menstrual Hygiene Day is also a new effort to destigmatize women’s menstrual cycles, and advocate for better access to feminine hygiene products for females who may otherwise be forced to resort to less sanitary options

            Whereas Menstrual Hygiene is a worldwide issue; women and girls around the world face different challenges in managing their menstruation depending on social norms, customs, geography, and education; and

            Whereas, Taboos and negative social norms surrounding menstruation are perpetuated by society as a whole. Therefore, creating an inclusive conversation with women and girls, as well as boys and men, is critical to create understanding and foster a supportive and healthy environment in menstrual health; and

            Whereas, In Michigan there have been five cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome, which can be caused from extended use of super absorbent tampons, reported since December 2015. The previous ten years averaged four cases total. It is important to raise awareness of the risks of improper menstrual hygiene so that these types of cases can be prevented; and  

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 28, 2016, as Menstrual Hygiene Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That the members of this legislative body encourage all Michiganders to recognize the importance of menstrual health and access to feminine hygiene products, and to start a conversation to recognize that menstruation is not a taboo and menstrual health is key for women and girls’ health and wellbeing everywhere.