In the first reading, the Spanish House of Commons approved a draft law that provides for days off with continued payment of wages in the event of severe menstrual pain. 190 MPs voted in favor of the left-wing government’s plan, while 154 Conservative MPs voted with five abstentions. The draft by the Ministry for Equal Opportunities was forwarded to the Senate, which also still has to approve it.
Should the House of Lords decide to amend the bill, which is also intended to remove barriers to abortion rights, the House of Commons would have to consider the issue again. Equal Opportunities Minister Irene Montero (Unidas Podemos) said during yesterday’s debate in Parliament that menstruation is no longer a social taboo.
Spain would be the first country in Europe to give women suffering from period pain the right to stay at home for as long as the pain persists. The salary should be paid by the state from day one. In order to get time off work, the affected woman must consult a doctor.
The draft “Sexual Health Act” also provides for easier access to abortions. They should also be possible in public clinics in the future. In addition, it is planned that minors from the age of 16 no longer need the consent of their parents for an abortion. Another provision aims to reduce “poverty caused by menstruation” with the help of free hygiene articles for needy women.
