The Spanish Parliament recently passed a groundbreaking measure that grants individuals in the country the right to take paid menstrual leave, making Spain the first European nation to do so. The new law permits individuals experiencing severe menstrual symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or painful cramps to take a paid leave of up to three days with a medical certificate. The state will finance this leave, and individuals can apply for up to five days. Spain is now among the few countries worldwide that provide menstrual leave. Other countries, including Japan and Indonesia, offer paid menstrual leave for several years. The passage of the new law in Spain marks a significant step forward in recognizing menstrual health as an essential aspect of overall health and well-being.
The menstrual leave provision is part of a broader package that expands reproductive and transgender rights in Spain. Individuals 16 years or older can obtain abortion services or change their gender on their identification cards with a simple declaration. This new law has been viewed as a significant victory for individuals in Spain and is expected to positively impact their well-being and overall quality of life. In addition to providing paid menstrual leave, the new law in Spain mandates that certain public institutions, such as schools and prisons, must provide menstrual products free of charge. State-run health centers will also offer hormonal contraceptives and the morning-after pill. These measures are aimed at improving access to menstrual and reproductive health resources.
In an interview, the country’s Minister of Equality, Irene Montero, expressed her joy about the recent passage of the law granting paid menstrual leave. She emphasized that menstrual health is an essential aspect of overall health. She stated, “I am very happy and, above all, I think it is a day for all women in our country and also [for] transgender people and LGTBI people to be happy and celebrate that their fight has consequences for expansion and progress in feminist rights.” Montero added, “Spain is a country that is prouder today.”
