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.
The law, which must now be validated by the Spanish senate before coming into force, will see Spain become the first European country to recognise this right, which already exists in Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Zambia. This measure is part of the broader framework brought about by the sexual and reproductive health law, which also bolsters sex education and information on contraception, allows abortion for minors over the age of 16 and guarantees access to abortions in public...
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Article authors
Cécile Thibaud
Freelance