Are Feminine Products Really A Luxury Product?

We live in a men's world...."medical" items are not taxed, while "luxury" items are, and tampons are taxed. So tampons and pads are superfluous luxury items?

"You may or may not be aware that, in most states, women's "sanitary" products are taxed. The purpose behind exempting food, drugs and medical services from taxation is to supposedly make a distinction between necessary items and "luxury" items. It is true that women have made do without commercial sanitary products from the beginning of time, but does that mean that they are "luxury" items? Because "sanitary" products are not actually sterile, they don't qualify as medical products, and, of course, they really aren't, strictly speaking. However, here's a curious thought for you: chapstick, which prevents the oh-so-dangerous condition of dry, cracked and peeling lips, is exempt from taxation, while sunscreen, which prevents skin cancer, is not.

A bill to repeal the tax on feminine hygiene products will be considered this year in New York State; they are already tax-free in Massachusetts. Until other states follow the example of Mass., what are women to do? They must either put up with the irritation of paying tax on their menstrual products, use "homemade" alternatives as early women did, or maybe take a trip to Mass. to buy their tampons and pads. If feminine hygiene products are taxed in your home state, you may wish to write to your city or state representative."

Source:http://classprojects.kenyon.edu/wmns/Wmns36/bloodflow/legal.htm