MENSTRUAL HEALTH: INTEGRAL TO RIGHT TO LIFE

NEWS: Supreme Court observed Menstrual Health in schools Integral to Right to Life. The Court also directed the pan-India implementation of the Union’s national policy, ‘Menstrual Hygiene (MH) Policy for School-going Girls’ in schools for adolescent girl children from Classes 6-12.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution includes the right to menstrual health.
• Establishment of Menstrual Hygiene Management Corners in schools equipped with spare uniforms, innerwear, and disposal bags for emergencies.
• Inaccessibility of MH measures strips away the right to participate on equal terms in schools->Link to Article 14 (Right to Equality)
• Inaccessibility of sanitary products affects fundamental right to education under Article 21A and Right to Education (RTE)Act.
• All schools must provide Sensitisation of male teachers and students, gender-segregated toilets, free sanitary napkins (preferably through vending machines), and dedicated MHM corners.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Protects girls from biological burden associated with lack of privacy
• Prevents girls from falling behind due to monthly absences
• Mandating biodegradable products prevents massive plastic waste in school sanitation systems.
• Prevents Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) caused by using unhygienic alternatives like old rags.