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.
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Article authors
Cécile Thibaud
Correspondent in Spain
As Madrid correspondent for mind RH since 2021, I cover news developments in Spain's world of work, focusing on legal developments and collective bargaining, particularly around work-life balance, equality and inclusion policies, which have been hot topics in the country in recent years.