中英對照讀新聞》Scotland is making tampons and pads free 蘇格蘭將免費提供生理期用品

◎陳成良

Scotland has become the first country to allow free and universal access to menstrual products, including tampons and pads, in public facilities, a landmark victory for the global movement against period poverty.

蘇格蘭成為世界首個在公共設施免費向所有人供應衛生棉條和衛生護墊等生理期用品的國家，這是全球對抗月經貧困運動的一次里程碑式勝利。

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The Scottish Parliament voted unanimously in favor of the Period Products bill on Tuesday, months after lawmakers had initially signaled their support.

在國會議員初步表示支持之後數月，蘇格蘭議會週二一致投票通過月經用品法案。

It means period products will be available to access in public buildings including schools and universities across Scotland. According to the new rules, it will be up to local authorities and education providers to ensure the products are available free of charge.

這意味著蘇格蘭各地包括中小學和大學在內的公共場所將會免費提供月經用品。根據新法規，地方政府部門和教育機構將確保免費供應月經用品。

The bill’s accompanying financial memorandum estimates it could cost around £8.7 million a year by 2022, depending on the number of women who will take advantage of the free products.

該法案附帶的財務備忘錄估計，到2022年，該免費項目每年將耗資約870萬英鎊（約3.3億台幣），具體數目取決於領用免費月經用品的女性數量。

新聞辭典

menstrual：形容詞，生理期的、月經的、每月的。例句：I think I may have to ask a menstrual leave this afternoon.（我想我今天下午必須請個月經假。）

period：名詞，週期；生理期，月經。例句：My elder sister missed her period.（我姊姊月經沒來。）

in favor of ：片語，贊同、支持。例句：I’m in favor of living together before marriage, single motherhood, and legalizing prostitution.（我贊成同居、單親媽媽、娼妓合法化。）