Madrid: The Spanish cabinet has approved a bill to allow paid medical leave for women experiencing severe menstrual pain, the first of its kind in Europe. Workers who experience menstrual pain are entitled to leave. As with other health problems, paid leave requires a doctor’s certificate of poor health. The Spanish government described the decision as “a decisive step”.
The proposed bill must be approved by Parliament with one vote. It is unknown at this time what he will do following leaving the post.
Currently very few countries offer menstrual leave, while countries like Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia and South Korea have menopause. In 2016, Italy prepared to implement the Menopause Act, but it was rejected by Parliament.
The move in Spain is now being discussed around the world. Opposition to the law is strong, even when it is hailed as a woman-friendly decision. On the one hand, it would force employers to deny women jobs.
