(Molly Bruns, Headline USA) In addition to the baby formula shortage, a shortage of tampons and other feminine hygiene products is the latest supply crisis to strike nation under President Joe Biden’s watch.
“Women are not only faced with a baby formula shortage, but now tampons are in short supply” as Biden’s supply chain crisis worsens. pic.twitter.com/dJZWpuL7n4
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 13, 2022
One reason these products are in short supply is because a key component of the feminine product, cotton, has been severely effected by the hindered import and increased cost of fertilizer, Big League Politics reported.
The fertilizer backup was only made worse by Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s invasion of Ukraine, but originated during the most intense period of COVID-19 restrictions, right when Biden took office.
According to Bloomberg, “costs are soaring for components such as plastics, fluff pulp, and cotton, leading to price hikes for pads and tampons.” When compared to the prior year, menstrual pads’ prices have risen 8.3%, while tampons’ prices have grown 9.8%.
“The increases are squeezing shoppers, especially low-income consumers already struggling with the highest inflation in four decades,” the outlet added.
“Unlike with shampoo or razors, though, people with monthly periods can’t easily cut back on consumption or wait for prices to decline.”
Additionally, period products are not covered by federal assistance and are not exempt from state taxes.
The White House has not addressed this issue directly, but if their handling of the baby formula shortage is any indication of where this is headed, they will likely not have anything helpful to say.
NOW – Jean-Pierre: “Nothing new” on baby formula shortage.pic.twitter.com/qF6CUt48Po
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) June 13, 2022
Social media users had a lot to say on this point:
Maybe take them out of elementary school bathrooms in Oregon…and away from boys bathrooms.
— Tucker Seal (@Tseal14) June 13, 2022
Facts. Daughter went to three different stores had NONE
— Michelle McCown (@M_McCown81) June 13, 2022
Time for operation Fly Flow Stoppers…gas up the C-17s for those mercy flights
— BigBlocksforPeace (@Bigblockmaestro) June 13, 2022