According to the Spanish Association of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, around one third of women experience severe pain during their menstruation. This month the Spanish government passed a draft reform of the Reproductive Health Bill, which is expected to legislate for female physiological leave (menstrual leave) and is expected to set a precedent in Europe.
Spain will legally recognise the right of women suffering from menstrual pain to take leave at government expense, the affirmative action minister, Irene Montero, has said publicly. Women will no longer have to go to work in pain, ending the shame and silence surrounding menstruation.
Under the draft bill, women in severe menstrual pain will be granted paid sick leave for at least three days a month, with an extension of up to five days for women with particularly severe menstrual pain or impaired capacity, if a medical certificate is provided.
The draft also includes paid leave for pregnant women from the 39th week, the abolition of the additional VAT on some feminine hygiene products such as sanitary pads, increased access to abortion for women in private hospitals, and women aged 16 to 17 will no longer need parental or guardian permission to be polymorphic.
The issue has been hotly debated in Spain, with opposition mainly based on fears that it will increase social discrimination against women and affect their access to the labour market, while supporters see it as legislative progress that will bring to light hitherto neglected health issues.
In response to the controversy, Spain’s Economy Minister said that the government would never adopt measures that would result in discrimination against women, and revealed that the government was continuing to work on a bill to that effect.
