Menstrual History May Be Required for Florida High School Sports

In Florida’s high schools, a proposed reform that would require female athletes to disclose their menstrual cycles has sparked debate. On the preparticipation physical evaluation form that has been presented, high school girls across the state of Florida would be required to answer questions regarding their menstrual cycles.

Currently, answering the questions is optional. Dr. Tommy Shechtman, a paediatrician and former president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, stated that access to this information by the athletic department, the coach, or the state organisation is unnecessary.

Additionally, he believed that it exceeded what HIPAA would normally permit. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that student-athletes undergo a physical examination, but the national form indicates that the physical should be kept in the athlete’s medical file and not shared with schools or sports organisations.

Shechtman emphasised the importance of discussing menstrual cycles with the patient, parent, and physician. State law designates the Florida High School Athletic Association as the overseeing non-profit organisation for athletics in Florida’s public schools.

Four of the sixteen board members are women. This board includes the state’s education commissioner, whose office appoints the other three members. The Florida High School Athletic Association has not yet provided a response to this proposed modification.