In a world where we have access to advanced menstrual products—think ultra-absorbent pads with wings, super-deluxe tampons, menstrual cups, and period panties—it’s shocking that some outdated stigmas still persist. Every woman knows that leaks can happen, and when they do, they often come with feelings of embarrassment and shame. This is a reality that many, including a woman from Georgia named Jenna Brooks, faced in a particularly harsh way.
Jenna, a mother of three, had dedicated nine years to her role as a 911 call taker at the Bobby Dodd Institute, an agency focused on employment for individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, Jenna was experiencing a common symptom associated with pre-menopause: sudden and heavy periods. According to the ACLU, Jenna had informed her boss about her irregular menstrual patterns and even took proactive measures by keeping extra supplies on hand.
However, in August 2015, Jenna experienced an unexpected heavy flow, resulting in a stain on her clothing and the chair she occupied. After reporting the incident to her supervisor, she was told to leave to change, but just a couple of days later, she received a disciplinary notice warning her that she would be terminated if she ever leaked again. Yes, you read that correctly. As if menstruation was something she could control.
The ACLU argues that Jenna’s situation falls under protections outlined in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits workplace discrimination related to pregnancy and childbirth. After all, menstruation is a biological function that is inherently tied to female reproductive health. Andrea Young, the executive director of the Georgia ACLU, aptly stated, “Employers have no business policing women’s bodies or their menstrual cycles.”
Despite her efforts to manage her condition, Jenna’s ordeal didn’t end there. In April 2016, she accidentally leaked again while walking to the restroom. Though she promptly cleaned the area with bleach and disinfectant, she was still relieved of her duties. Just days later, she was fired under the pretense of not maintaining “high standards of personal hygiene.”
In Jenna’s own words, “I loved my job because I got to help people. I never imagined I could be fired for an accident related to my period.” After her initial appeal was rejected, the ACLU has taken up her case, arguing that her rights were violated under federal law. As Galen Sherwin from the ACLU emphasized, being penalized for an unexpected menstrual incident is a clear case of sex discrimination.
Menstruation is a natural part of life for a significant portion of the population, and it’s time we destigmatize it. Jenna’s fight is not just about her job; it’s about challenging the societal norms that shame women for something so inherently human. Women everywhere are rallying behind her, hoping for a swift resolution to this unjust situation.
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Summary:
In 2017, Jenna Brooks, a Georgia woman, faced termination from her job after experiencing a menstrual leak at work. The ACLU argues her dismissal is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, highlighting the need to eliminate the stigma surrounding menstruation. Jenna’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for women’s rights and challenging societal taboos.