The Spanish law on sexual and reproductive health, which also provides for the right that women have the right to leave during the menstrual cycle, came into force on Thursday, reports dpa.
The law proposed by the Ministry for gender equality, at the initiative of the leftist government, was approved by the parliament in February, writes Agerpres. Since then, amendments to the new law have been approved. Practically, barriers have been removed that will facilitate access to abortion and sex change for trans people.
After parliament’s vote in February, Minister for Gender Equality Irene Montero spoke of a “historic day for the advancement of feminist rights”.
Menstrual leave is not a common regulation, notes dpa. There is no comparable provision in German law. In Taiwan, women can only stay at home three days a year, and then they only receive 50% of their salary.
In South Korea, employers must give female employees one day of menstrual leave per month if they apply, but the law does not specify who will pay for those days.
In order to take menstrual leave, female employees in Spain need a doctor’s note. The duration of menstrual leave is, in principle, unlimited.
According to the law, the duration of leave depends on how severe the pain is and how long it lasts. The costs are covered by the state.
Publisher : AP
