2024 Study on Colorado Teen Period Poverty
The 2022 and 2024 Colorado Women’s Study on Period Poverty, Diaper Need, and Hygiene Poverty, combined with the 2024 Colorado Study on Teen Period Poverty, reveal that period poverty affects individuals across all age groups, not just adults. The 2024 Colorado Study on Teen Period Poverty further underscores the challenges faced by teenagers across Colorado, highlighting the widespread and pervasive nature of period poverty in their daily lives.
With responses from 220 students in urban, suburban, and rural areas, the findings reveal an urgent need for action to address this widespread problem.
In partnership with our champion legislators, we proudly helped craft and pass HB24-1164, the “Free Menstrual Products to Students” law.
Through collaboration with lawmakers, educators, and community advocates, this legislation ensures students across Colorado have access to free menstrual products, addressing a critical need in our schools.
Data
90% of teens in Colorado have started their periods unexpectedly in public without proper period products.
Imagine the humiliation and discomfort of starting your period unexpectedly in public, without access to the products you need. This is a reality no one should have to face.
80% of teens in Colorado have missed class due to lack of period products.
Access to education is vital, yet 80% of Colorado teens have been forced to miss class due to a lack of period products—a preventable obstacle to their future.
66% of teens in Colorado have missed opportunities to participate in before/after school activities due to lack of period products.
Period poverty doesn’t just affect education—it disrupts participation in sports, clubs, and studying with peers, robbing teens of personal growth, confidence, and opportunities beyond the classroom.
59% of teens in Colorado admit to struggling to afford or access period products.
Teens shouldn’t have to sacrifice their education because they can’t afford basic necessities. No one should have their future disrupted by a natural biological process.
90% of teens in Colorado can recall a time when they got their period and didn’t have products while at school or a school-related activity.
This situation forces teenagers into difficult and avoidable challenges, revealing a glaring gap in meeting their essential health and educational needs.
72% of teens in Colorado used a substitution in place of regular period products in the last 12 months.
Hear from some of the teens who participated in the study
“I think they should have machines in the school bathrooms so when we start our period we can just grab a tampon or pad from the bathroom instead of having to go to the nurse.”
“Period products should become more publicly available and without an added price in places like restrooms.”
“They should be available free in public places and they shouldn’t be taxed when you buy them.”
“I wish that my university had them available in all of its bathrooms.”
“Make them more affordable. Pads and tampons should not be priced like they are a luxury item. We also need more places for women in need to have access to period products.”
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