Spain to become first European nation offering menstrual leave

Sources inside the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and Unidas Podemos (UP) governing coalition said Friday (13 May) that they expected the bill to be approved after an agreement was reached between the equality ministry – which has pushed for the reform – and the social security ministry, EURACTIV’s partner EFE reported. [Shutterstock/Mangostar]

Spain could become Europe’s first country to introduce medical leave for women suffering from menstrual pain with the government and parliament set approve a draft bill amending the country’s abortion law to this effect.

Sources inside the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and Unidas Podemos (UP) governing coalition said Friday (13 May) that they expected the bill to be approved after an agreement was reached between the equality ministry – which has pushed for the reform – and the social security ministry, EURACTIV’s partner EFE reported.

“We are going to recognise by law the right of women with painful menstruation to a special temporary disability that will be paid by the State from the first day,” Equality Minister Irene Montero from UP said on Twitter.

Employers will not cover the medical leave, nor will a minimum contribution to the social security scheme be required as is the case for other common temporary disabilities, according to the proposal that the government is expected to approve on Tuesday (17 May).

The law will also allow for abortions in the public health system and end the requirement for girls aged 16 and 17 to seek parental consent.

Once passed, the law would be the first in Europe. In Italy, a similar proposal was presented in 2016 but was never approved, while in Germany, women can request leave for menstrual pain, but it is not a right. Outside Europe, such a right has been recognised in Japan since 1947 and South Korea, Indonesia, and Zambia.

The equality ministry has for months been pushing for the reform to be included in the future law on abortion, but PSOE members within the coalition had been more cautious in expressing support while negotiations were ongoing.

Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, also from UP, has backed the bill, although Social Security Minister José Luis Escrivá from PSOE said Thursday (12 May) that the matter was “under discussion.”

The leader of the opposition, conservative Alberto Núñez Feijóo, said on Friday (13 May) that his position was clear, “sick leave is given by doctors” because they “know perfectly well in which cases it is suitable and when it is not.”

The legislation has generated much controversy and debate in Spain, as gynaecologists and family doctors have urged people and the media not to trivialise a problem suffered by many women.

In statements to EFE, the head of Women’s Health at the Society of General and Family Physicians, Lorenzo Armenteros, said that period pain is a valid reason for sick leave and that the regulation will allow for it to be extended regularly to women who suffer from it.

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