Published: March 20, 2026
CAPITOL HILL — A bill to eliminate all taxes on sanitary products has been introduced in the House of Representatives, signaling a significant legislative push to address menstrual health challenges and reduce the financial burden on women and girls nationwide.
Grand Bassa County District #5 Representative Thomas A. Goshua II submitted the proposed Sanitary Pad Tax Exemption Act of 2026 during plenary, urging lawmakers to treat menstrual hygiene products as essential goods rather than taxable commodities.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | Facebook
In a formal communication to Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, Goshua argued that the high cost of sanitary products continues to disproportionately affect low-income households, limiting access for many women and girls.
“Menstrual hygiene is not a luxury—it is a necessity,” he wrote. “Taxing these products undermines the dignity, health, and full participation of women and girls in society.”
The bill seeks to exempt sanitary products from all forms of taxation, including import duties, goods and services taxes, and value-added taxes. It also proposes amendments to Liberia’s Revenue Code, with implementation and enforcement assigned to the Liberia Revenue Authority.
Following its reading, lawmakers voted to forward the bill to the committees on Health, Commerce, and Gender for review and recommendations.
The proposal has already sparked debate within the Legislature, with several lawmakers acknowledging the broader implications of menstrual health on education, public health, and economic participation.
Advocates say the high cost of sanitary products forces some girls to miss school during their menstrual cycles, while others resort to unsafe alternatives that expose them to health risks.
Public health experts have long warned that limited access to proper menstrual hygiene products contributes to infections and other complications, particularly in rural and underserved communities. They argue that removing taxes could significantly expand access and improve outcomes.
While the measure appears to be gaining support, some lawmakers are expected to examine its potential impact on government revenue. Proponents, however, maintain that the long-term social and economic benefits far outweigh any short-term fiscal losses.
Globally, there has been growing momentum to eliminate taxes on menstrual products—often referred to as the “tampon tax”—as part of broader gender equality efforts. Several countries have already adopted similar policies, citing improvements in school attendance and women’s health.
Thursday’s proceedings at the Capitol suggest increasing bipartisan openness to the proposal, though its passage will depend on committee findings and subsequent debate in plenary.
If enacted, the Sanitary Pad Tax Exemption Act of 2026 could significantly expand access to menstrual hygiene products, offering relief to thousands of Liberian women and girls.
The committees are expected to report back to plenary in the coming weeks with recommendations that will shape the bill’s outcome.
Discussion about this post