Spain approves sick leave due to painful periods

Spain recognizes women’s right to sick leave for the first time painful and disabling menstruation, as it is included in the reform of the law on abortion, which was approved this Thursday by the Congress of Deputies, and becomes a pioneer in this matter in Europe.

This reform, rejected by right-wing parties, considers menstrual health a right and part of the right to health. The law does not specify how long the sick leave will last.

According to a study compiled by the Spanish trade union Sindical Obrera (USO), 53% of women suffer from painful periods, and among young people it rises to 74%.

The new law also aims to combat menstrual poverty, and in this sense advocates free menstrual hygiene products – tampons, pads or menstrual cups – in educational centers, prisons and social centers for women. women in a vulnerable situation.

The core of the reform of the abortion law seeks to guarantee the performance of voluntary terminations of pregnancy in public health centers and abolishes the requirement of parental consent for minors under the age of 16 and 17.

In the Appendix, maintains the deadlines established by the law from 2010 and recently confirmed by the Constitutional Court, with which abortion will continue to be free during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

But, in addition, it also introduces new rights, such as the aforementioned sick leave due to painful menstruation or the right to temporary incapacity from the first day of the 39th week of pregnancy and during health care due to abortion and incapacity for work.

Public and universal access to contraception is also guaranteed.

Minister of Equality Irene Montero, who defended the legal reform in front of the representatives, today celebrated the final adoption of the new law that “expands” women’s rights, not only the right to abortion, but also sexual and reproductive rights, because without them, women are not full citizens, she said.

In Italy, a bill was presented in this regard. 2016, but was never approved; there is nothing official in France, but it is a matter of discussion.

In Germany, women can contact their family doctor to get sick leave for menstrual cramps, but this is at the doctor’s discretion.