The Tampon Tax

A tampon tax is a term used to call attention to the fact that tampons — and other feminine hygiene products used to absorb menstrual flow — are subject to value-added tax, starkly at odds with the tax-exempt status granted to other products considered basic necessities. Proponents of tax exemption argue that tampons, sanitary napkins, and comparable products constitute basic, unavoidable necessities for women and thus should be made tax exempt.