Spain: menstrual leave allowance set to be introduced

In what marks a first in Europe, members of Spain's Congress of Deputies have adopted on first reading a bill that would offer menstrual leave to women who suffer from painful periods. Under the law adopted by the house on 15 December, women suffering from painful periods will be able to take days off work, covered by social security, if their doctor acknowledges that they suffer from "incapacitating pain" that prevents them from carrying out their job-related tasks. According to the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics, this situation could affect 10% to 15% of women of fertile age.