STV NewsScotland will become the first country in the world to offer universal access to sanitary products.
On Tuesday, MSPs unanimously voted to pass the landmark Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill following a three-year campaign by Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon.
It’s hoped the new measures will go some way towards tackling period poverty, as well as addressing the stigma and taboo which has traditionally surrounded menstruation.
Sanitary products are currently free at schools, colleges and universities across Scotland.
However, the new bill places a legal duty on ministers to ensure anyone can access them at many different locations.
The bill faced initial opposition, with ministers arguing the cost could greatly exceed the estimated £9.7m a year.
Speaking ahead of the vote, Lennon said: “We are in the final miles of a long journey and I am heartened by the support for the Period Products Bill.
“I am optimistic that we will complete that groundbreaking journey today.
“Scotland will not be the last country to make period poverty history – but it now has a chance to be the first.
“This law will ensure no-one has to go without essential period products.”
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