[Spain] Europe’s first ‘menstrual leave’ law has passed

On February 16, Spain’s parliament approved a law granting paid medical leave to women suffering severe period pain, making it the first European country to advance such legislation, Inquirer.net reports.

The law passed by 185 votes in favour to 154 against. The move is intended to break a taboo aound periods, according to Spain’s left-wing government.

Globally menstrual leave is offered only in a small number of countries at present, such as Japan, Indonesia and Zambia.

In response to the news Equality Minister Irene Montero tweeted, “It is a historic day for feminist progress.” The minister says the move is a step toward addressing a health problem that has largely been swept under the carpet.

The legislation reportedly entitles employees experiencing period pain to as much time off as they need. The state social security system will pick up the tab for the leave, rather than employers.

In common with paid leave for other health reasons, the leave requires a doctor’s approval. The length of sick leave is not specified in the law.

According to the Spanish Gynecology and Obstetrics Society, about a third of women suffer from severe menstrual pain.

“Periods will no longer be taboo,” Ms 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.”

Politicians and unions divided

The legislation has created divisions among both politicians and unions.

One of Spain’s main trade unions - the CCOO - welcomed it as a major “legislative advance” to recognise a problem that has been “ignored” until now.

However, the UGT - Spain’s other main union - reportedly warned it could stigmatise women in the workplace and indirectly hinder their “access to the labour market”. This take has been echoed by the main right-wing opposition Popular Party (PP).

Menstrual leave was part of a broader law bolstering access to abortion services in public hospitals; a right that remains rife with difficulties in a country with a strong Catholic tradition.

Less than 15 per cent of abortions performed in Spain take place in public hospitals, primarily because of conscientious objections by doctors.

The new legislation also reportedly allows minors aged 16 and 17 to have an abortion without parental permission. This reverses a requirement introduced by a previous conservative government in 2015.

Spain is a European leader in women’s rights. The country decriminalised abortion in 1985 and in 2010 it passed a law allowing women to freely opt for abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, in the majority of cases.

Source: Inquirer.net

(Quotes via original reporting)

On February 16, Spain’s parliament approved a law granting paid medical leave to women suffering severe period pain, making it the first European country to advance such legislation, Inquirer.net reports.

The law passed by 185 votes in favour to 154 against. The move is intended to break a taboo aound periods, according to Spain’s left-wing government.

Globally menstrual leave is offered only in a small number of countries at present, such as Japan, Indonesia and Zambia.

In response to the news Equality Minister Irene Montero tweeted, “It is a historic day for feminist progress.” The minister says the move is a step toward addressing a health problem that has largely been swept under the carpet.

The legislation reportedly entitles employees experiencing period pain to as much time off as they need. The state social security system will pick up the tab for the leave, rather than employers.

In common with paid leave for other health reasons, the leave requires a doctor’s approval. The length of sick leave is not specified in the law.

According to the Spanish Gynecology and Obstetrics Society, about a third of women suffer from severe menstrual pain.

“Periods will no longer be taboo,” Ms 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.”

Politicians and unions divided

The legislation has created divisions among both politicians and unions.

One of Spain’s main trade unions - the CCOO - welcomed it as a major “legislative advance” to recognise a problem that has been “ignored” until now.

However, the UGT - Spain’s other main union - reportedly warned it could stigmatise women in the workplace and indirectly hinder their “access to the labour market”. This take has been echoed by the main right-wing opposition Popular Party (PP).

Menstrual leave was part of a broader law bolstering access to abortion services in public hospitals; a right that remains rife with difficulties in a country with a strong Catholic tradition.

Less than 15 per cent of abortions performed in Spain take place in public hospitals, primarily because of conscientious objections by doctors.

The new legislation also reportedly allows minors aged 16 and 17 to have an abortion without parental permission. This reverses a requirement introduced by a previous conservative government in 2015.

Spain is a European leader in women’s rights. The country decriminalised abortion in 1985 and in 2010 it passed a law allowing women to freely opt for abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, in the majority of cases.

Source: Inquirer.net

(Quotes via original reporting)