February 20, 2023
2 mins read

Spain passes Europe’s first paid ‘menstrual leave’ law

The legislation entitles employees experiencing period pain to as much time off as they need, with the state social security system — not employers — picking up the tab for the sick leave…reports Asian Lite News

Spain’s parliament has approved a law granting paid medical leave to women suffering severe period pain, becoming the first European country to advance such legislation.

The law, which passed by 185 votes in favour to 154 against, is aimed at breaking a taboo on the subject, Spain’s left-wing government has said.

Menstrual leave is currently offered only in a small number of countries across the globe, such as Japan, Indonesia and Zambia.

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

The legislation entitles employees experiencing period pain to as much time off as they need, with the state social security system — not employers — picking up the tab for the sick leave.

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

About a third of women suffer from severe menstrual pain, according to the Spanish Gynaecology and Obstetrics Society.

“Periods will no longer be taboo,” 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.”

But the legislation created divisions among both politicians and unions. The CCOO, one of Spain’s main trade unions, welcomed the move as a major “legislative advance” to recognise a problem that has been “ignored” until now.

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

Menstrual leave was part of a broader law that also bolsters access to abortion services in public hospitals, a right that remains fraught with difficulties in a country with a strong Catholic tradition.

Less than 15 percent of abortions performed in the country take place in public hospitals, mainly because of conscientious objections by doctors.

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

Spain, a European leader in women’s rights, decriminalised abortion in 1985, and in 2010, it passed a law that allows women to opt freely for abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy in most cases.

ALSO READ-France, Spain ink friendship treaty

Previous Story

‘Support to attacks on Crimea remarks shows US intent’

Next Story

US, allies stage joint air drills after N. Korea’s ICBM launch

Latest from -Top News

US Backs India’s Hunt for Pahalgam Terrorists

Gabbard’s “hunt down” message comes amidst escalating Indian response to the terrorist attack, saying it had clear “cross-border” links to Pakistan….reports Asian Lite News Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), on

Border Sealed, Hopes on Hold

A Hindu family from Balochistan’s Sibi was reportedly denied entry into India after the closure of border crossing….reports Asian Lite News Pakistan and India’s decision to shut down the Wagah-Attari border crossing

West visits Cambodia to strengthen ties 

The visit also addresses shared security concerns, including combating serious organised crime and human trafficking, and future defence cooperation initiatives  The UK and Cambodia are collaborating to advance climate initiatives and promote
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Europe reports record high temperatures in Jan

Temperatures in the Netherlands, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, Poland,

Putin places nuclear “deterrent” forces on special alert

Putin earlier on Sunday praised his special forces for “heroically