Menstrual Leave: Spain Becomes First European Country To Offer

On Thursday, Spain’s sexual and reproductive health law, which includes the right for women to take time off work (menstrual leave) when they have their period, was put into effect.

The Gender Equality Ministry’s bill, put forward by the left-wing government, was approved by parliament in February.

Since then, amendments were passed as part of the new law.

Barriers have been removed, which makes access to abortions and changing the gender of trans people easier.

After the parliamentary vote in February, the Equality Minister, Irene Montero, spoke of it being a “historic day for the advancement of feminist rights.”

Read Also: WHO, HRP Commit To Meet Menstrual Health Needs

Menstrual leave is not a common regulation.

There is no comparable provision in German law.

In Taiwan, women can only stay at home for three days a year, and they then only get 50 percent of their salary.

In South Korea, employers have to give their female employees one day off a month if they request, but the law does not regulate who pays the employee’s salary.

To take menstrual leave, female workers in Spain require a doctor’s note.

The duration of the leave from work is, in principle, unlimited.

The state will cover the costs and according to the law, it depends on how severe the menstrual pain is as well as how long it lasts.