Spain is Maiden Country in Europe to Approve Paid Leave for Menstrual Pain

Spain has made history by becoming the first country in Europe to grant paid medical leave to workers experiencing severe menstrual pain.

The groundbreaking legislation, passed as part of a broader sexual and reproductive health reform package, allows affected individuals to take up to five days of state-funded leave each month, depending on the severity of their symptoms.

Under the new law, workers suffering from debilitating menstrual pain — often linked to conditions such as endometriosis or dysmenorrhea — can request between three and five days of leave, provided they obtain a doctor’s certification.

The measure is designed to address the long-standing stigma surrounding menstruation and to recognize that, for many, period pain can be incapacitating and deserving of formal medical support.

Importantly, the leave is covered by Spain’s social security system, not by employers, to prevent workplace discrimination.

The reform forms part of a wider set of progressive changes that also expands abortion access for teenagers aged 16 and 17 without parental consent and guarantees free menstrual products in schools and prisons.

Lawmakers described the menstrual leave policy as a step toward “menstrual justice” and a significant milestone in women’s health rights.

However, early reviews show that the law has seen limited uptake since implementation. Reports indicate that many eligible workers are either unaware of the provision or uncomfortable seeking medical approval due to lingering societal taboos.

Critics also argue that requiring a prior diagnosis may exclude those who experience severe symptoms but have not undergone specialist evaluation.

Despite these hurdles, Spain’s initiative has drawn global attention. Advocates say it could inspire similar reforms across Europe, where no other country has yet adopted a national menstrual leave policy.

Observers note that the success of the law will depend on public awareness, workplace acceptance, and continued efforts to combat stigma surrounding menstrual health.