The Doctors discuss how middle schoolers got creative after they were reportedly denied a request for free tampons in school restrooms by their principal, who reportedly felt students would abuse the privilege.  

The group, who dubbed themselves the “Revolutionary Girls’ Baking Society,” responded to the denied request by baking their principal tampon cookies. After the bold gesture, the principal and school board decided to provide free tampons to students, something OB/GYN Dr. Nita Landry is thrilled to hear.

Watch: What Should You Do If You Put in 2 Tampons?

The group released a statement, “This is the Revolutionary Girls’ Baking Society. We are three middle school friends who believe no woman or girl should be shamed by her period.  She should feel confident and not secretive. It should just be the norm. Because it is. After our cookie protest, our principal and the school board are now working to make sure every girl in our town will have the products they need readily available so no girl misses a day of school.  We are very grateful that the school has taken our action seriously and is making a change. Feminine hygiene is not a luxury or a privilege, and not having tampons and pads is a barrier to every girl’s education.”

Watch: Is It Okay to Swim with No Tampon during Your Period?    

“I love it,” Dr. Nita says, noting that 25 million women live under the poverty line and many of them do not have resources to afford this basic feminine hygiene product. “When you go to school, you deserve to focus on learning and if we can do this one small thing for them, I think this is phenomenal.”  

Dr. Nita also notes that 35 states tax tampons and label the product as a non-essential good, adding, “I think that is ridiculous… we need it, what do you want us to do? What do you want us to use? Take the taxes off!”