In Spain, the parliament approved a law granting paid medical leave to women suffering severe period pain, becoming the first European country to advance such legislation.
“It is a historic day for feminist progress,” tweeted Equality Minister Irene Montero, who says the move is a step toward addressing a health problem that has been largely swept under the carpet.
The legislation entitles employees experiencing period pain to as much time off as they need, with the state social security system — not employers — picking up the tab for the sick leave.
As with paid leave for other health reasons, it requires a doctor’s approval, though the length of sick leave is not specified in the law.
About a third of women suffer from severe menstrual pain, according to the Spanish Gynaecology and Obstetrics Society.
“Periods will no longer be taboo,” Montero said after the law was initially approved by the cabinet in May 2022. “No more going to work with pain, no more taking pills before arriving at work and having to hide the fact we’re in pain that makes us unable to work.”
‘A legislature of feminist conquests’
Spain also became the first country in Europe to pass legislation giving women paid menstrual leave, something Ms Montero added was a legislature “of feminist conquests.”
Menstrual leave was part of a broader law that also bolsters access to abortion services in public hospitals, a right that remains fraught with difficulties in a country with a strong Catholic tradition.
Less than 15 percent of abortions performed in the country take place in public hospitals, mainly because of conscientious objections by doctors.
The new legislation also allows minors aged 16 and 17 to have an abortion without parental permission, reversing a requirement introduced by a previous conservative government in 2015.
Sources: France 24, BBC