Spanish government approves first monthly paid leave in Europe; The project will go to Parliament

On Tuesday (17) the Spanish government approved a bill providing for up to three days of leave for women with heavy menstruation, without being deducted from it.

The proposal is now being put to a vote in the country’s parliament, where the socialist government has the majority. If approved, the Spain It will be the first country in Europe to adopt the licence.

This measure is an initiative of the country’s Minister of Equality, Irene Montero. According to the proposal, any woman who suffers from dysmenorrhea, a condition of heavy menstruation, can apply for a license in any private company or public body that operates..

“Today we are sending a message to the world to support all the women who fight for their sexual and reproductive rights. It is our duty to ensure that these women decide what happens to their bodies,” Monteiro said.

The same project also expands access to abortion, which is already legal in the country and can currently be performed up to the 14th week of pregnancy in all cases and up to the 22nd week in cases of fetal abnormalities.

Under the reform, teens between the ages of 16 and 17 will not need permission from their legal guardians to terminate a pregnancy.

Also under the new proposal, pregnant women will be able to extend their leave from the 39th week (when they go beyond nine months of pregnancy), Period products such as sanitary pads will be distributed free of charge in schools and health centers.

Anti-abortion protesters demonstrate against reform in the streets of Madrid on Saturday – Photo: Susana Vera/Reuters

The proposal sparked controversy in Spainwhere a growing part of the population supports more liberal measures while another, conservative part, opposes voluntary termination of pregnancy.