Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40709524›Full record

ArticleSexual and reproductive health matters2025

Full, free, and informed: defining and operationalising informed choice for menstrual supplies.

Lucy C Wilson, Tanya Dargan Mahajan

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Sexual and reproductive health matters, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Lucy C WilsonIndependent Consultant, Rising Outcomes, Hillsborough, NC, USA. Correspondence: lucy.wilson@gmail.com.ORCID 0000-0003-4744-308X
Tanya Dargan MahajanCo-founder, Menstrual Health Action for Impact (MHAi), New Delhi, India.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Informed choice is a cornerstone of bodily autonomy and dignity, yet remains underdeveloped in menstrual health programmes and markets, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Currently, menstruation-related stigma and gaps in access, availability, and education constrain individuals' ability to choose menstrual supplies that best suit their needs. This article proposes a gender-transformative definition of informed choice for menstrual supplies, adapted from the "full, free, and informed" framework widely used in family planning. Informed choice for menstrual supplies means having access to the broadest possible range of supplies, the freedom to choose without stigma or coercion, and access to accurate, unbiased information. The range of menstrual supplies should include single-use and reusable products, contraception, pain relief, and supportive items. Pathways for operationalising this framework in both commercial and free distribution settings are explored, with recommendations for expanding choice, addressing systemic barriers, and improving menstrual literacy. Ultimately, enabling full, free, and informed choice in menstrual health can improve individual health outcomes, reduce stigma, enhance equity, and foster well-functioning markets responsive to the needs of all who menstruate.

Indexed as

Choice BehaviorInformed ConsentMenstrual Hygiene ProductsMenstruationFamily Planning ServicesFemaleHealth Services AccessibilityHumansSocial Stigmachoicemenstrual healthrights-based programming

Identifiers

PMID40709524
PMCPMC12360048

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.