Menstrual Leave

Spain has become the first European country to introduce a law that grants paid menstrual leave to women. The law was recently passed as part of a broader legislation that aims to provide greater access to abortion in public hospitals. The new law provides women with the right to take time off work when they are suffering from severe menstrual pain.

Paid Menstrual Leave:

The new law in Spain grants women paid menstrual leave when they experience severe period pain. The legislation provides workers with the right to take as much time off as they need to recover from the pain. It requires a doctor’s approval for the worker’s temporary medical incapacity to take the leave. The law does not specify the length of the menstrual leave, and it will be up to the employer and the employee to negotiate the terms of the leave.

The introduction of the paid menstrual leave has been welcomed by women’s rights activists in Spain. They argue that it is a significant step towards addressing the issue of gender inequality in the workplace. Women are more likely to suffer from menstrual pain than men, and the new law recognizes this and provides them with the necessary support they need.

Access to Abortion:

The new law in Spain also provides greater access to abortion in public hospitals. Abortion has been legal in Spain since 2010, but access to the procedure has been limited in some regions. The new legislation aims to address this by providing women with greater access to the procedure, particularly in rural areas.

The law also removes the requirement for parental consent for girls aged 16 and 17 to undergo the procedure. This has been a controversial issue in Spain, with some arguing that it infringes on parental rights. However, supporters of the new law argue that it is necessary to ensure that young women have the right to make decisions about their own bodies.

Reaction to the New Law:

The new law in Spain has received mixed reactions from different groups. Women’s rights activists have praised the introduction of paid menstrual leave, saying that it recognizes the specific needs of women in the workplace. However, some employers have expressed concerns about the impact the law will have on their businesses. They argue that it will be difficult to manage the absence of female employees during menstrual periods.