New Delhi, Jan 31 (NationPress) The Supreme Court's declaration that menstrual hygiene is a fundamental right related to life marks a significant advancement for women's dignity and education without stigma, public health specialists stated on Saturday.

On Friday, the apex court ruled that ensuring access to menstrual hygiene is a crucial aspect of a girl child's rights to life, dignity, health, and education.

A Bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan remarked, “a period should end a sentence - not a girl’s education,” emphasizing that the government holds a proactive duty under Article 21 of the Constitution to safeguard health rights, particularly concerning the menstrual health of girls.

The Supreme Court also mandated a comprehensive set of directives for all states and union territories (UTs) to guarantee the provision of free sanitary napkins, functional gender-segregated toilets, and awareness regarding menstrual health in every school throughout the nation.

“Menstrual hygiene in educational institutions has been a longstanding challenge requiring decisive action. By enforcing these measures, we prevent infections, promote equality, and eliminate stigma. This ensures that a natural biological process does not hinder a child's future,” said Rajeev Jayadevan, former President of IMA Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell in Kerala, to IANS.

The detailed 127-page judgment noted that the absence of proper menstrual hygiene management (MHM) products compels girls to resort to unhealthy alternatives like rags or cloths, or to use menstrual absorbents for extended periods, leading to negative health impacts.

“Acknowledging menstrual health as a fundamental right is a pivotal move. Providing free sanitary pads in schools can significantly reduce absenteeism and health risks for girls,” commented Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of the Population Foundation of India, to IANS.

“However, dignity also necessitates sustainable product options, safe disposal systems, adequate water and sanitation facilities, and education without stigma: without these, mere access cannot yield sustainable health or environmental benefits,” she added.

In issuing a series of directives, the Supreme Court ordered that all schools, whether government-run or privately managed, must feature functional, gender-segregated toilets equipped with usable water, hand-washing facilities with soap, and infrastructure suitable for children with disabilities.

Regarding the availability of menstrual absorbents, the top court instructed states and UTs to guarantee that every school provides oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins free of charge, ideally through vending machines located within toilet facilities.

“Every toilet unit must include a covered waste bin for the disposal of sanitary materials, and cleanliness and regular maintenance of such bins must be maintained at all times,” the apex court stated.

Dr. Ishwar Gilada, a Mumbai-based Consultant specializing in HIV, STIs, and Sexual Health, told IANS that, as mandated by the Supreme Court, timely execution, integrating menstrual health into sexual health, and making it a collective responsibility rather than solely that of women is vital.

“Providing free sanitary napkins is essential, but ensuring their safe disposal is equally critical. The Ministry of Health should not wait for a follow-up order on sanitary pad disposal. A vending machine model, similar to that initiated for condoms, is necessary at this point,” Gilada added.