Rep. Barbara Hernandez Passes Menstrual Products Donor Immunity Act, Bolsters Reproductive Healthcare

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, recently passed the Menstrual Products Donor Immunity Act, which secures legal protections for non-profits who receive menstrual products for distribution to underserved communities.

“Expanding access to menstrual hygiene products to every person who needs them is a cause that deserves support and legal protections in the unlikely chance that an innocent mistake is made,” Hernandez said. “Following the example of the Good Samaritan Food Donor Act, which creates similar protections for people who donate food in good faith, those who are working hard to provide safe assistance in-need should not have their efforts cut-down due to small imperfections, such as bent packaging.”

The Menstrual Hygeine Products Donor Immunity Act, House Bill 4264, is carefully written to protect people and organizations who donate menstrual hygiene in the unlikely event of negative health consequences that result from using a defective donation. Entities distributing these products are still required to judiciously inspect all donations, and immunity from prosecution does not apply to willful misconduct.

Hernandez’s measure has the support of Planned Parenthood, the Illinois Environmental Council, the Alliance for Period Supplies, the League of Women Voters of Chicago and the Illinois National Organization for Women.

“Menstrual hygiene products are not luxuries. They’re not optional indulgences. These are absolutely essential to millions of Illinoisans,” Hernandez said. “Growing access to these products is equally essential.”