Menstruation Matters: Challenging the Law's Silence on Periods

The law is mostly silent about menstruation, but the last few years have seen a new willingness among advocates and allies to speak openly about it. Menstruation Matters explores the role of law in this movement and provides a roadmap for legal reform to move society closer to a world where no one is held back or disadvantaged by menstruation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 12 July 2022
Publisher: New York University Press

The Menstrual Advocacy Movement: A Call for Legal Reform
Approximately half the population menstruates for a significant portion of their lives, yet the law remains largely silent on the topic. Historically, most individuals would have considered periods to be private matters best left unspoken in public. However, in recent years, there has been a remarkable shift in attitudes among advocates and allies of all ages, fostering an increased willingness to openly discuss menstruation. Gradually, across the globe, people are recognizing the fundamental human right to address menstruation in a safe, affordable, and stigma-free manner, devoid of barriers to access.

Menstruation Matters delves into the role of law in this transformative movement. It begins by examining the current legal landscape regarding menstruation, revealing the limited and often inadequate provisions that exist. The book then offers a comprehensive roadmap for legal reform aimed at bringing society closer to a world where menstruation no longer impairs or hinders individuals' full participation in public and private life.

Bridget J. Crawford and Emily Gold Waldman, two esteemed legal scholars, undertake a comprehensive analysis of these issues in a diverse range of contexts, including schools, workplaces, prisons, tax policies, and more. Through their insightful perspectives, the authors shed light on the challenges faced by menstruators and propose practical solutions to address them.

The ultimate goal of Menstruation Matters is to transform both law and society to ensure that menstruation is no longer an obstacle to full participation in all aspects of public and private life. By advocating for legal reform, the book aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society where menstruation is recognized, respected, and accommodated.

In conclusion, Menstruation Matters is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the ongoing menstrual advocacy movement and calls for legal reform to ensure that menstruation is treated with the dignity and respect it deserves. By advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society, the book contributes to the broader effort to promote gender equality and break down barriers that hinder individuals' full participation in society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479809677