Rep. Barbara Hernandez Bolsters Menstrual Products Donor Immunity Act, Reproductive Healthcare with New Law

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, secured legal protections for non- profits who receive menstrual products for distribution to underserved communities with a new
measure that was signed into law last week.

“Menstrual hygiene products are a basic need that all too often goes unmet-especially in underserved communities. People doing the good work of meeting that need deserve legal protections,” Hernandez said. “This law will bring more of those legal protections to bear.”

The Menstrual Hygiene 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. It was signed into law last week.

“Combatting the shortage in menstrual hygiene products has been a priority for me during my, time as a lawmaker,” Hernandez said. “Last week we struck a substantive blow against that shortage, and I’m confident more victories will follow.”