Obstetricians and gynaecologists are calling on the Federal Government to take steps to end ‘period poverty’ by making tampons and pads free.

RANZCOG says more than three million Australians live below the poverty line, and more than half this number are women and girls who have recurring costs of menstruation no matter what their financial situation.

President Dr Vijay Roach says the college is calling for government action to enable women and girls free access to sanitary products, as the world marks International Women’s Day on 8 March.

“No woman or girl should have to compromise their health or confidence because they cannot afford the products they need to stay healthy,” Dr Roach says.