As anyone who menstruates knows, it can be excruciating when it’s that time of the month. From cramps and feeling bloated, period pain is all too common, although it’s not usually seen as a reason to take a sick day at work — even if you suffer from endometriosis or dysmenorrhea. However, the Spanish government is changing things, as they’ve voted to allow people to take up to three days off each month due to menstrual pain.
Now that the bill is fully passed, it makes Spain the first Western country to offer menstrual leave. Countries such as Zambia, South Korea, Japan and Indonesia already have legislation in place to guarantee time off during one’s period.
Related: 7 pressure points to help with headaches, digestion and period cramps.
The three-day leave for period pain is reportedly allowed with a doctor’s note. If the pain is deemed to be severe, the leave could be extended by two additional days.
Canada currently has no laws in place for menstrual leave, although some Canadian companies have their own policies that allow employees to have paid leave during their periods. The Kitchener, Ont. company that makes the DivaCup, for example, gives staff a day off a month when menstruating, and no doctor’s note is required.
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Aside from menstrual leave, the Spanish sexual and productive health law, according to Daily Mail, also includes new permissions for minors seeking abortions. Under the new law, those aged 16 and up can have an abortion without consent from a parent or guardian.
“The period is going to stop being a taboo,” said Spanish Minister of Equality Irene Montero. “There will be no more going to work with pain, no more taking pills before arriving at work and having to hide that on those days we are in pain.”
