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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Danya Bazaraa

Spain plans to offer menstrual leave to women who suffer severe period pain

Women who suffer from severe period pains could be allowed to take up to three days off a month in Spain.

The reform plan is due to be approved by the Spanish government next week and if approved, it would be the first country in Europe to offer menstrual leave.

The Secretary of State for Equality and against Gender Violence Ángela Rodríguez said the new laws, first revealed by the Cadena Ser radio station, would be beneficial to those who struggle with severe pains during their period.

Ms Rodríguez told Spanish newspaper El Periodico: "It is important to clarify what a painful period is, we are not talking about a slight discomfort, but about serious symptoms such as diarrhoea, severe headaches, fever."

The reform plan is due to be approved by the Spanish government next week (file photo) (Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)

Several countries in Asia offer similar leave including Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

Approximate figures say 75% of women in Spain are affected by dysmenorrhea, severe period pain.

Exact figures are hard to verify, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health says.

The worldwide estimate of women affected is as high as 60% to 90%.

The plans would give women up to three days menstrual leave a month (file photo) (Getty Images)

Dysmenorrhea is characterised by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain during your period.

Other measures to improve menstrual health are also set to be implemented. These include a requirement for schools to provide sanitary products for girls in need of them.

Sanitary items will be given free to marginalised women and pads and tampons will have the VAT removed, Sky News reports.

Ms Rodríguez said: "The rights related to menstrual health have never been discussed and the data is chilling.

"One in four women cannot choose the feminine hygiene products she wants to buy for financial reasons."

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