Last week, the pharmacy giant CVS lowered its prices for there store-branded feminine hygiene products. Every CVS store in the country has recently done this, and some are beginning to pay the sales taxes on tampons, and other menstrual products where they are allowed to.
Paying Sales Tax in Certain States
After initially lowering the prices, CVS began paying the sales tax for menstrual products in a dozen states around the country. These states include Wisconsin, West Virginia, Utah, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Missouri, Louisiana, Hawaii, Georgia, and Arkansas. When asked about covering the sales tax in other states, CVS responded by saying they cannot pay the tax in other states due to laws that prevent third parties from paying taxes on behalf of the consumer.
CVS Commended
The global health lead for the American Medical Women’s Association Dr. Padmini Murthy had high praises for CVS. She also mentioned that CVS should take it to the next level and reduce the prices of all the feminine hygiene products they carry, not just the store-branded ones.
“This move will highlight their commitment to addressing women’s health and pave the way for reducing menstrual inequity,” Murthy said in an email to CNN, “and not just to promote the use of CVS products.”
Part of a Growing Effort
By cutting the prices of their menstrual products, CVS is taking a big step in narrowing the gap between the cost of men’s and women’s personal health items. This is also a big step when it comes to eliminating the tax on tampons, and other menstrual products altogether.
Elimination of the Pink Tax
In recent years, there has been a ton of advocacy for eliminating the tax on menstrual products, which is also known as the “Pink Tax” or “Tampon Tax”. According to the Alliance for Period Supplies, which is an organization working to expand access to menstrual products. 23 states have already eliminated these products from being subjected to sales tax, and more are likely to come in the future.
In a statement, the organization said, “Too often period products are taxed as luxury items and not recognized as basic necessities. Period products are taxed at a similar rate to items like decor, electronics, makeup, and toys.”
Wrap Up
In the last few years, feminine hygiene products have grown costly and are burdening women who need to buy this necessity. In the last year, the prices of tampons have increased by 12.2% at all retail stores nationwide. Other menstrual products such as liners increased by 11.6% in the last year.
According to the Alliance for Period Supplies, 25% of women struggle to buy menstrual products due to not having enough money. CVS Pharmacy has taken the step to help women by making these products more accessible. They are the first store to do this, and we will have to wait and see if other American stores follow suit.