Virginia
Proposal Summary
Virginia Menstrual Education Act
Bill
Implementing menstrual health education into public schools.
Menstrual health course content:
Comprehensive menstrual health education should include, at minimum, the following topics:
Menstrual cycle education
Health and hygiene practices
Menstrual stigma
-Addressing stigma around menstrual cycles.
-Building confidence.
Practical knowledge
-Managing menstruation at school and other settings.
-Emergency preparedness.
-Communication skills for discussing menstrual health with family, friends, and peers.
Medical knowledge
-Premenstrual syndrome and pain management.
-Common menstrual disorders and irregularities.
-Basic understanding of hormonal changes.
Implementation
Instruction should be provided at appropriate grade levels as determined by local education institutions, with the guidance of the Virginia Department of Education.
Comprehensive menstrual health education should be provided to grades 4-6
Local educational institutions may provide instruction to all students or may separate students based upon gender.
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.