Bill Overview
Title: Menstrual Products Right To Know Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes ingredient labeling requirements for menstrual products, including with respect to any fragrance allergens or other fragrance ingredients that may pose a safety concern.
Sponsors: Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6]
Target Audience
Population: Menstruating individuals
Estimated Size: 60000000
- The bill requires ingredient labeling for menstrual products, affecting those who purchase and use these products.
- The global population of menstruating individuals consists of about 1.9 billion people as reported by the World Health Organization.
- Most menstruating individuals use menstrual products and therefore will be directly impacted by any changes in labeling and information available about these products.
- The legislation will benefit those concerned about allergies and safety regarding the ingredients of menstrual products.
Reasoning
- The policy focuses on improved transparency regarding the ingredients in menstrual products, potentially leading to improved consumer knowledge and safer choices for individuals sensitive to certain chemicals.
- Targeting approximately 60 million menstruating individuals in the US, the policy is expected to have a direct impact on those concerned about allergies and fragrances in these products.
- Given the budget, the policy is affordable and likely to offer incremental improvements in safety and health awareness over time.
- The distribution of individuals using menstrual products is widespread, although individual impact differs based on personal health concerns and levels of ingredient sensitivity.
Simulated Interviews
student (New York)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm really concerned about the ingredients in the menstrual products I use because I have allergies.
- Knowing exactly what's in these products could help me choose safer options and avoid reactions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
marketing manager (California)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The transparency offered by labels could influence my family's choices, as we aim for sustainable and safe products.
- This policy would enable us to avoid harmful additives more effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
nurse (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- In my line of work, patient education is key, so I see the need for clear labeling.
- This would help me recommend safer options to my patients.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
software engineer (Illinois)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often face skin issues, thus ingredient transparency means a lot to me.
- This change helps me make better choices during my travels.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
retired (Florida)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm beyond needing these products myself, but I support transparency for the younger generations who need safe options.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
professor (Massachusetts)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this policy as an essential step in empowering consumers and familiarizing all gender identities with informed choices.
- Transparency can bridge gaps in marginalized communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
freelance artist (Oregon)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with my values of transparency and safety in consumer goods.
- I will feel more at ease knowing product contents.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
teacher (Utah)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm sensitive to certain scents, so having a detailed list helps me avoid triggering migraines.
- This will reduce my stress related to buying these products.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
pharmacist (New Jersey)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Though I don’t use these products, I support family members and appreciate clearer labeling to help them avoid allergies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
small business owner (Washington)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a business owner in this space, I support clear labeling as it aligns with my product standards.
- It reassures my clients and supports my business ethos.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $25000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $35000000)
Year 2: $23000000 (Low: $13000000, High: $33000000)
Year 3: $20000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $30000000)
Year 5: $18000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $26000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $22000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Potential for increased consumer trust in product safety and quality through transparency.
- Long-term healthcare savings could outweigh initial implementation costs.
- Businesses may face short-term costs in compliance and possible redesign but may ultimately benefit from reduced litigation and improved consumer relations.