Breaking Barriers: The Impact of Racism on Menstrual Health and the Journey Toward Social Justice
Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet for centuries, Black women have faced systemic barriers to accessing menstrual health care. From the brutal realities of slavery to modern-day disparities in healthcare, the menstrual health gap is a direct reflection of racial inequities. The legacy of racism continues to shape menstrual care, limiting access, education, and resources for Black communities.
The Historical Roots of Menstrual Health Inequality
During the era of slavery, Black women were denied control over their bodies and lacked access to basic hygiene. Enslaved women were often forced to use rags, leaves, or any materials they could find to manage their menstrual cycles. With no proper sanitation or medical care, many faced infections and other health issues. To make matters worse, enslaved Black women were subjected to non-consensual medical experimentation. Dr. J. Marion Sims, often regarded as the "father of modern gynecology," conducted surgical experiments on these women without anesthesia, exploiting their bodies for medical progress.
Even after slavery was abolished, Black women continued to endure racialized medical neglect. The Jim Crow era perpetuated segregation in healthcare, leaving many Black communities with insufficient resources. Hospitals and clinics routinely denied care to Black patients, making it challenging to access menstrual products, contraception, or reproductive health education.
The Economic Barriers to Menstrual Care
Systemic racism has created significant economic disparities, making it harder for Black women to afford menstrual products. The wage gap, employment discrimination, and lack of wealth accumulation all contribute to period poverty—a condition where individuals lack access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, and proper facilities. According to research, Black women are disproportionately affected by period poverty, often having to choose between purchasing food or menstrual products.
The “pink tax,” which refers to the higher cost of products marketed to women, further exacerbates the issue. Many states in the U.S. still tax menstrual products as luxury items, despite being essential healthcare necessities. This additional financial burden disproportionately affects low-income Black women and girls, limiting their ability to manage menstruation with dignity.
Healthcare Disparities and Menstrual Health
Beyond financial barriers, Black women also experience racial bias in the healthcare system. Studies show that Black women are less likely to be believed when they report pain, leading to inadequate medical treatment. This bias extends to menstrual health, where conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed in Black patients.
Black women are three times more likely than white women to suffer from fibroids, a condition that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and severe pain. Yet, they often receive delayed diagnoses and limited treatment options. These disparities not only affect quality of life but also perpetuate cycles of medical neglect and mistrust within Black communities.
Breaking the Cycle: Black Activists Leading the Fight
Despite facing numerous obstacles, Black women have been leaders in the battle for menstrual equity. Activists such as Nadya Okamoto, founder of PERIOD, and the founder of For Women By Women Period, along with organizations like The Flow Initiative and Happy Period, are actively working to eradicate period poverty by providing free menstrual products and advocating for meaningful policy reforms. These efforts underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, better healthcare policies, and the removal of the tampon tax.
Legislators are beginning to take action as well. In recent years, several states have passed laws that require free menstrual products in schools and prisons, where Black girls and women are especially impacted by period poverty. However, significant progress is still needed to ensure that all individuals have equitable access to menstrual care.
A Call for Menstrual Justice
The menstrual health gap is not just about access to products—it’s about racial justice, economic equality, and healthcare equity. Addressing period poverty in Black communities requires dismantling systemic racism in medical care, education, and policy-making. By amplifying the voices of Black women, supporting grassroots initiatives, and pushing for legislative reforms, we can create a world where menstruation is no longer a source of struggle but a natural process managed with dignity and respect.
Menstrual justice is social justice. The fight for equitable menstrual health care is a fight for racial and gender equality. It’s time to recognize and address the menstrual health gap as a pressing issue that demands systemic change.
