The vetoed wording is therefore implemented in Congress, and the proposal becomes law.
The National Congress overruled the presidential veto of the project that allows for free distribution of sanitary pads to low-income students in the public network as well as women in street circumstances or social vulnerability on Thursday, October 10. As a result, the vetoed wording is implemented in Congress and the bill becomes law.
The initiative, whose veto was reversed yesterday, intends to promote a health and hygiene care strategy while combating menstrual precariousness - a lack of access to hygiene products and other goods required during menstruation. Women of reproductive age who are registered in the Single Registry of Social Programs (Cadnico), as well as homeless women, will be covered regardless of registration.
The programme also aims to reduce school dropout rates. According to the project's assessment, at the time of its Senate approval, one in every four children did not attend school during their menstrual cycle due to a lack of sanitary pads.
Specific aspects of this programme, such as the quantity and type of free absorbent supplies, will be determined in a subsequent regulation. The Union will make the resources accessible to the Unified Health System (SUS). The National Penitentiary Fund will make the monies accessible in the instance of arrested women and convicts.
President Jair Bolsonaro approved the Menstrual Health Protection and Promotion Program in October, but banned the distribution of sanitary pads, which was the initiative's major goal. According to the government's reasoning, the initiative would be detrimental to the public interest. The initiative did not include a financial source or compensation action, according to the Ministries of Economy and Education, which the President of the Republic consulted.
The veto entered and exited the schedule of legislative sessions twice, drawing outrage from lawmakers. Parliamentarians, on the other hand, have long advocated for the abolition of the veto. One hint of this was a signal from the President of Congress himself, Senator Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG), that he would support the idea.
Bolsonaro issued a decree last Tuesday (8), International Women's Day, authorising for the distribution of sanitary pads to "women in need." However, the order notes that the distribution is contingent on budgetary and financial capacity. In other words, there is no legal certainty that such distribution will take place.
During the veto vote, lawmakers questioned the directive and emphasised its limited implications. "When Bolsonaro attempts to show that he has been sensitised, he announces a decree that we regard as more of a parody in actuality." "A decree with no timeframe, no redress, and no financial source," stated deputy Tabata Amaral (PDT-SP). Sâmia Bonfim (PSOL-SP) stated that the Congress idea includes 3.5 million more women than the regulation allows for.