Spain's cabinet approved a bill that grants menstrual leave for women who suffer from severe pain during their period, the first in Europe.
The bill entitles workers experiencing period pain to as much time off as they need. The leave is paid for by the social security system and not the employers. However, like other paid leaves for health reasons, a doctor must approve the temporary medical incapacity, Deutsche Welle (DW) reported.
Recognizing menstruation as a health problem
Equality Minister Irene Montero said that the law recognized a health problem that has been "largely swept under the carpet until now."
She told a news conference that "periods will no longer be a taboo" after the cabinet approved the bill. Montero added that they are making a law to ensure that women can live better.
If the bill passes, Spain will be the first country in Europe to introduce a temporary sick leave fully financed by the state for painful and incapacitating periods. A consultation with the doctor will be required to estimate the leave period.
The bill will allow women to rest while in pain. Gone will be the days that women will take pills before arriving at work and have to hide the fact on days that women are in pain and are unable to work.
Montero belongs to the far-left Podemos party, Sanchez's junior coalition that has been behind the law.
Menstrual leave is currently offered in a few countries globally, such as South Korea and Indonesia, but not in Europe.
Inside Paper is not clear if Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's minority coalition government that made women's rights a priority agenda would get enough support in the assembly.
The bill has sparked a debate as it would cost the Spanish government, not the employers, around €23.8 million ($25 million) per year. The proposal has divided the coalition and unions, with some saying that it would stigmatize women in the workplace and favor men in recruitment.
According to Cristina Antonanzas, deputy secretary-general of Spain's largest trade union, the UGT, the legislation could impact "women's access to the labor market."
The proposed bill is still pending the parliament's approval, with a vote not expected in the following months.
Wider reproductive health concerns
The legislation is part of a broader reproductive health reform that aims to change the abortion laws in Spain. In 1985, the country decriminalized abortion for cases of rape, if the fetus is malformed, or if the baby causes severe physical and psychological risks to the mother. The scope of the law was broadened in 2010, allowing abortion on demand in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. However, the procedure is complicated as many doctors in public hospitals refuse to perform abortions.
Recently, there has been a move to end the requirement for minors between 16 and 17 to get parental consent before terminating a pregnancy and remove the mandatory three-day reflection period. It would also include measures to improve access to abortions at private hospitals, Aljazeera reports.
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