Women in Spain will receive three days of menstrual leave each month, thus becoming the first country in Europe to adopt such a legislation.
There are a couple of countries, mostly in Asia that adopted a national menstrual leave policy and several private companies have already started offering period leave without waiting to be required by law.
“This legislature is a legislature of feminist conquests,” Irene Montero, Spain’s Minister of Equality said, emphasizing “we recognise menstrual health as part of the right to health and we fight stigma and silence.” As in any case of paid medical leave, a doctor’s note that attests the temporary incapacity is required.
As per data analysed by the Spanish Gynaecology and Obstetrics Society, about a third of women who menstruate suffer from severe pain. “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,” Minister Montero vowed.
The Spanish legislation which is part of a much wider reproductive health reform, passed its first reading by 190 votes in favour to 154 against and 5 abstentions, and is now going to the Senate. The bill also amends abortion laws by increasing abortion services in public hospitals, as currently more than 85% of abortions are performed privately. Also, minors aged 16 or 17 will not need a parental consent before terminating a pregnancy, anymore.
Spain has played a key role in advancing women’s rights, as it was the first European country to adopt the domestic abuse law in 2004. Currently, the Sanchez government boasts more women than men in its cabinet.
Source: thelocal.es
