Scotland has made sanitary products free to all women, becoming the first nation in the world to take such a step against "period poverty".
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The measure makes tampons and sanitary pads available at designated public places such as community centres, youth clubs and pharmacies, at an estimated annual cost to taxpayers of STG24 million ($A43.6 million).
The Period Products (Free Provision) Scotland Bill passed unanimously and First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon called it "an important policy for women and girls".
"Proud to vote for this groundbreaking legislation, making Scotland the first country in the world to provide free period products for all who need them," Sturgeon posted on Twitter.
Scottish Labour MP Monica Lennon said: "Scotland will not be the last country to consign period poverty to history but we have the chance to be the first."
In 2018, Scotland became the first country to provide free sanitary products in schools, colleges and universities.
Some 10 per cent of girls in Britain have been unable to afford sanitary products, according to a survey by the children's charity Plan International in 2017, with campaigners warning many skip classes as a consequence.
Sanitary products in the United Kingdom are taxed at five per cent, a levy that officials have blamed on European Union rules that set tax rates on certain products.
Now Britain has left the EU, the government says it will abolish the "tampon tax" in January 2021.
Australian Associated Press
