The Prices of Periods and Pregnancies
by Esha Singh, Naperville Central High School
In terms of reproductive health, there are many areas in which our society can improve upon. But one of the most overlooked subjects is the price of reproductive health, specifically those born with female anatomy. Over time, these costs can add up, but these dollars should be spent somewhere else, and not on something that should be much cheaper.
The general sanitary objects to help a person during their menstrual cycle are typically pads (also called sanitary napkins) and tampons. These items are often quite expensive. As an example, the price of a pack of 18 tampons (from Tampax), can be $8.99, without tax. This can equate to around 50 cents per tampon. This may not seem like much, but the average period lasts about 5 days. Most people will use at least 3 tampons in a day, often more. For one period, that can cost up to around 5 dollars. In one year, a person will likely get their period 12 times; once per month. Thus, in one year, using that brand of tampons, a person will pay a minimum of around 90 dollars for their tampons. Again, that may not seem like much, but a person in the United States also will likely have a consistent menstrual cycle for about 37 years. In total, those tampons alone can cost a person around $3,330. In addition to this, many people will purchase both tampons and pads to assist them during their menstrual cycles. Following the same line of reasoning, pads can end up costing a minimum total of around $1,332. So in total, pads and tampons will end up costing a person around $3,550 in their life. It is important to keep in mind that these are the minimum costs; the average American with female anatomy is more likely to spend closer to $5,000 over the course of their lives, (without taxes).
In continuation, there is a tax on items like tampons, all due to the profit many of the companies aim to make. Tampons typically have a low production cost, but sell for much higher prices, thus increasing the profit margins. These taxes are typically called value-added taxes, but when speaking in terms of feminine products, they are referred to as the tampon tax. The only states. These taxes can increase the price of a tampon by up to 15%. Again, it may not seem like much, but over time, it would add up. A person could spend the money in an area in which they would benefit from it, instead of having to spend it on something so basic that they need to live healthily. As of now, according to “Tax Free. Period”, an organization working towards the elimination of taxes on reproductive health products, “34 states still charge a sales tax on period products”. While it is understandable that taxes are necessary, basic items that a person needs to live a comfortable, and healthy life should be made as affordable as possible. If tampons are so cheap to make, then the costs shouldn’t be so high for people to purchase them. In addition to this, there should be little to no taxes on any health related item that at least 50% of the nation uses on a daily basis, such as tampons and pads.
Another cost regarding the reproductive systems of people assigned female at birth are birth control methods. One of the most commonly used methods of birth control are birth control pills; often referred to as “BC”, or “the pill”. If a person is insured, birth control can end up costing less. For an insured individual, they often have to pay little to nothing. This is because the ACA (The Affordable Care Act) requires most employers to cover at least one method of birth control in any company-based insurance plan they may offer. But, in recent years and months, the Supreme Court of the United States has opened up exceptions to birth control coverage on religious and moral personal values of the employers. What this could mean is that despite being insured, some people could lose their access to affordable birth control pills under insurance. Uninsured birth control, according to Planned Parenthood, can cost up to $50 per month. If an uninsured person is using birth control for at least 80% of the years they have the potential to get pregnant, that could cost them the grand total of at least $17,760.
Finally, there is the cost of pregnancy and birth itself, as well as the cost of an abortion. After around nine months of pregnancy, most people will give birth. Again, one comes to the financial damage all depending on the insurance of a person. A pregnancy and birth could cost up to $250,000, though it varies for every person. It is difficult to estimate the cost of pregnancies due to the fact that every person has a different body, and every pregnancy is unique. Regardless of this, though, pregnancies are not cheap. An uninsured birth alone can cost around $27,000. In addition to this, uninsured abortion costs are quite expensive; up to $1,000.
Overall, in the worst case possible, these costs can end up costing a person over $50,000. That can be around two years of education for some colleges, and imagine how much a person could pay for with that amount of money. It is vital to protect insurance coverage of these necessities, and I believe that lowering the prices of tampons, pads, and similar items should be considered. It will only help people have equal opportunities. Every person should have access to health related materials, regardless of their income, race, gender, sexuality, or any other factor. People can help others within their community by donating menstrual products in any local drives. This will especially help those who may not have the resources to gain access to those materials. One could also donate any amount to their closest Planned Parenthood center. These centers assist others in any reproductive needs they may have, such as cancer screenings, birth control cost aid, and they offer free tampons, pads, and other needs. Given the recent nomination of Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the possibility, while slim at the moment, of legislation like the ACA being overturned arises. It is vital that we, as a nation, strive to protect equal access to health services, and acknowledge the high personal costs and taxes behind items that are basic necessities.
