As of Feb. 9, the Florida High School Athletic Association voted against female student-athlete requirements to fill out the menstrual cycle questions on the physical examination form.

Earlier this year, a Florida Panel part of the Florida FHSAA proposed requirements for female student-athletes to answer questions about their menstrual cycle. The questions asked for the time female athletes got their first period, how many weeks pass in between them and when their most recent one was. 

The FHSAA is in charge of making sure interscholastic sports follow the correct directions for athletes. The new possible rule change made many believe that it would provide benefits since it would reflect one’s health However, others believe the rule is a violation of privacy. 

“I feel like it is not that okay because at the end of the day, that is your own medical records that should only be shared with your medical provider and the state should have no business with having to know your medical records, because that is your private information,” Miami Palmetto Senior High School senior and track and field pole vaulter Camryn Givens said.

Representatives Lois Frankel and Debbie Wasserman gave a letter to the FHSAA claiming their opposition to the menstrual cycle questions. All members of the Florida Demographic Delegation signed the letter.

The backlash from a large number of people in the community has played a major role in the ruling. On Feb. 9, the 16 association members casted their votes on whether the questions should be implemented or taken away entirely. The board consisted of 14 men and two women who decided the futures of female athletes in Florida. 

“It is a breach of privacy and highly invasive to ask of a female athlete. I’m not saying their health is not important, it is the most important thing for any student, however compromising their health privacy is incredibly inappropriate and unnecessary,” MPSH junior and secretary of Women of Tomorrow Sofia Sierra said. 

The final vote of 14-2 favored women’s right to not have to turn in their menstrual cycle history. The new physical form will be incorporated into the 2023-24 school year.