- Edgar Guerra
- Communications Director
- 916-319-2011
- Edgar.Guerra@asm.ca.gov
Governor Newsom has signed into law Assembly Bill 2229 (AB 2229), known as the Know Your Period Act. Authored by Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson, this legislation aims to enhance comprehensive sexual health education in California schools by addressing a crucial gap in the current curriculum: menstrual health education.
The Know Your Period Act originated from the "There Oughta Be a Law" contest, demonstrating the power of community engagement in shaping legislative initiatives. After receiving bipartisan support in the legislature, the bill has now become law, marking a significant step forward in California's commitment to comprehensive health education.
Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson emphasized the importance of this law, stating, "The Know Your Period Act represents a crucial step forward in our commitment to comprehensive sexual health education. By including menstrual health in our curriculum, we're not just filling a knowledge gap – we're breaking down barriers of stigma and misinformation. I am proud that California continues to lead the way in progressive, inclusive education policies prioritizing all students' health and well-being."
“HUGE WIN! Menstrual Education is now California LAW!” said Sriya Srinivasan, sponsor and Solano Community College student trustee. “Governor Gavin Newsom Signed Assembly Bill AB 2229, the Know Your Period bill, which mandates comprehensive menstrual health education in ALL California schools. With nearly a year’s worth of advocacy, education, and conversation- Californians were able to come together to turn an idea into a reality. But this is just the beginning of a longer journey to break period stigma. Now, Californians will KNOW THEIR PERIOD!”
The Know Your Period Act builds upon the foundation laid by the California Healthy Youth Act (AB 329) of 2016, which mandated comprehensive sexual health education for middle and high school students. However, the previous curriculum lacked explicit coverage of menstrual health, leaving many California students without critical information necessary for understanding their bodies and overall health.
The Know Your Period Act aligns with federal policy and addresses a crucial gap by integrating comprehensive menstrual health education into the existing sexual health curriculum. This new law not only improves health education for California's students but also empowers them to take control of their own health. Its implementation marks another milestone in California's ongoing efforts to provide inclusive, comprehensive, and stigma-free health education to all students.
For more information on AB 2229, visit: https://a11.asmdc.org/know-your-period-act
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Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson was elected in April 2022 to represent California’s 11th Assembly District which includes all of Solano County and portions of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties. The District includes the Cities of: Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Oakley, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Vacaville and Vallejo.