Spain is poised to enact a pioneering reform. Women who suffer from severe period pain will be allowed to take leave from work for up to three days each month under a reform plan due to be approved by Spain's government next week. This groundbreaking legislation will make Spain the first Western nation to offer menstrual leave.
The Spanish Gynaecology and Obstetrics Society estimates that approximately one-third of menstruating women experience severe pain, known medically as dysmenorrhea. This percentage increases when considering pre-menstrual discomfort. Dysmenorrhea symptoms include acute abdominal pain, headaches, diarrhea, and fever.
In addition to menstrual leave, the anticipated reform calls upon schools to supply sanitary pads to girls who require them. The reform also pushes a commercial aspect to this: sanitary products will no longer include value-added tax in supermarkets, making them more affordable for the general public.
To further women's rights, Spain's left-wing government intends on broadening access to abortion. This will be achieved in two ways: eliminating the need for parental consent by 16 and 17-year-olds and ensuring access to abortion services in public hospitals.
Currently, some regions in Spain operate as "no-abortion zones" steered by doctors that decline to perform abortions on ethical grounds.
Spain's progressive step towards granting menstrual leave and improving women's health is a victory for humanity. promoting gender equality and recognizing the unique health challenges women face.
Source: Badcock, James. Telegraph. "Three-day menstrual leave offered to women in European first". https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/05/11/spain-become-first-western-country-offering-menstrual-leave/. 11 May, 2022. [Accessed: 13 May, 2022].
Edited by Manan Chordia.
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