Free Feminine Hygiene Products in Federal Women's Facilities: What Families Should Know

BOP policy is straightforward: women in federal facilities must receive feminine hygiene products free of charge. This comes from the BOP's Female Offender Manual (Program Statement P5200.07), which applies to every Bureau institution housing female offenders. Access shouldn't depend on which unit someone's in or who's working that shift - it's a baseline requirement across the system.

The policy spells out exactly what must be provided at no cost. Wardens must ensure access to tampons (regular and super), maxi pads with wings (regular and super), and regular panty liners. These are the core products the policy requires - no payment necessary.

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• ✓ Tampons (regular)
• ✓ Tampons (super)
• ✓ Maxi pads with wings (regular)
• ✓ Maxi pads with wings (super)
• ✓ Panty liners (regular)

For women in general population, these products must be available in common areas - usually a bathroom or another accessible spot in the housing unit. Access is supposed to be around the clock, not limited to certain hours or a monthly distribution day. Once someone takes what they need, they can keep products in their cell as long as they stay within personal property limits.

You might also see menstrual products listed in commissary materials. The Prison Flow Project maintains a searchable table of statutes, regulations, and handbook excerpts mentioning menstrual products in prisons - including some commissary listings. Why does this matter? Commissary purchases cost money. That's a real expense for the person inside and for families funding those accounts, even though BOP policy requires basic items to be free.

1. Get clear details from your loved one - ask what product is missing, where it’s normally kept (bathroom/common area vs. staff-issued), and whether the issue is “none available” or “being limited.”
2. Have them raise it through unit channels - the policy says staff may not ration items, and units are supposed to restock within 24 hours after being notified that a product is lacking.
3. Encourage simple documentation - dates and times, what was requested, and who was notified can help keep the issue focused and specific if it doesn’t get fixed quickly.

One heads-up: families often want to mail supplies directly, but federal facilities frequently restrict incoming packages. Sending products isn't always an option, even with good intentions. If your loved one needs more than what's being provided, helping with commissary funds may be more practical - depending on facility rules. Before spending money on a package, verify the specific facility's current mail and property policies. Otherwise, your package could be rejected.