The Spanish government is drafting a bill that would allow a monthly leave of absence for women who suffer from severe period pain. If passed, the bill would allow women a three- to five-day sick leave from work and would be the first law of its kind in Europe—and would represent the first step in Spain’s wider reproductive health reform plans. In addition to the leave, the nation plans to abolish the “tampon tax” and make hygiene products available for free at schools and prisons, as well as extend paid maternity leave and change laws to allow teens to have an abortion without their parents’ permission. Gen Z and Millennials have been fighting to destigmatize periods for years now—and to create policies that treat menstrual pain as a real medical condition. As a result, some companies (and now governments) have answered the call and are providing paid period leave to their employees. (BBC)
