Eliminate the Tampon Tax
The Problem
Period products are essential—but in Utah, they are taxed as luxury items. This extra cost disproportionately affects low-income families.
The average person who menstruates spends between $120 and $180 per year on period products [SOURCE].
Since 2019, the average price of sanitary pads has risen by 41%, and tampons by 36% [SOURCE].
18 states still classify period products as “non-essential”—while items like Rogaine and Viagra are often tax-exempt [SOURCE].
In Utah, sales tax adds 4.7% to the cost of these essential items [SOURCE].
“I remember walking into the store and seeing the price tag plus tax and thinking, ‘Why am I being penalized for having a period?’ It didn’t make sense.”
— Emily Bell McCormick, Founder
The Solution
We worked to ensure menstrual products were recognized as essential items—not luxuries.
2018 –
Launching the Initiative
Emily Bell McCormick launched The Policy Project to eliminate the Tampon Tax and increase access to period products in Utah.
2019 –
Mobilizing the Community
We hosted a rally at the Utah State Capitol. Community members met with their legislators, shared personal stories, and highlighted the financial burden of taxing period products. That year, the Tampon Tax was eliminated as part of a broader tax reform—a major step forward for access to period products.
2020 –
Learning from Setbacks
A referendum overturned the broader tax reform, including the Tampon Tax. While disappointing, it taught us foundational lessons that shaped our next steps.
2021 & Beyond –
Innovating Solutions
We pivoted to providing free period products in schools, reaching students where they need them most. Read about our next steps here.
