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Maryland

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Proposal Summary

Maryland My Period, My Health Act (SANVI)


Bill

Implementing menstrual health education into public schools K-12


Menstrual health course content:

Comprehensive menstrual health education should include, at minimum, the following topics:

  1. Menstrual cycle education

-Basic anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system

  1. Health and hygiene practices

             -Proper use of menstrual products

             -Personal hygiene during menstruation

             -When to seek medical attention for menstrual-related concerns

  1. Menstrual stigma

             -Addressing stigma around menstrual cycles 

             -Building confidence

  1. Practical knowledge

-Managing menstruation at school and other settings

-Emergency preparedness 

-Communication skills for discussing menstrual health with family, friends, and peers.

  1. Medical knowledge

-Premenstrual syndrome and pain management

-Common menstrual disorders and irregularities 

-Basic understanding of hormonal changes


Curriculum Development:

  1. The Maryland Department of Education should update or develop health education standards to include comprehensive menstrual health education by August 2027..

  2. The Department should provide guidance and allocate resources to local educational institutions, including:

             -Model curriculum

             -Professional development for instructors 

             -Instructional materials

  1. Standards should be reviewed and updated every 6 years to ensure that they remain current and any new medical knowledge is included.


Funding:

  1. The Maryland Department of Education may provide grants or other financial assistance to local educational institutions for the implementation of this act.


Implementation

  1. Instruction should be provided at appropriate grade levels as determined by local education institutions, with the guidance of the Maryland Department of Education.

  2. Comprehensive menstrual health education should be provided to grades 4-6.

  3. Local educational institutions may provide instruction to all students or may separate students based upon gender.


Timeline:

  1. This act shall take effect on August 27

  2. Local educational agencies shall implement comprehensive menstrual health education no later than the beginning of the 2027-2028 school year.

  3. The Maryland Department of Education shall have standards and guidance materials available no later than February 2027, at least six months before required implementation.

Definitions

  • “Age appropriate" refers to topics, messages, material,  and teaching methods suitable to (insert age group).

  • “Comprehensive menstrual health education” refers to education regarding the menstrual cycle, hygiene practices, basic medical knowledge, personal care, and breaking stigma.

  • “Instructors who are trained and knowledgeable” refers to instructors with knowledge on human sexuality, development, and menstrual cycles.

  • “Local education institutions” includes county board of educations and county superintendents.


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