Spain discusses a law that would grant paid leave to women with painful periods

Spain is advancing on a bill that would give a license to women who have painful menstrual periods to the point of being unable to carry out their work.

The initiative was included in a bill to reform the abortion law that

and would be taken to the Council of Ministers next Tuesday.

If it happens, Spain would be the first European country to have this measure.

"We are going to recognize by law the right of women with painful periods to a special temporary disability that will be paid for by the State from the first day. We are moving forward so that it is no longer normal to go to work with pain," said Irene Montero, the minister of Equality on his Twitter account.

The Spanish Ministry of Equality says that this law is a recognition of menstrual health.Getty Images

At the beginning of last week, the draft of the rule published for the first time by the Spanish newspaper El País spoke of a three-day leave, but that same publication assured that sources from the Ministry of Equality affirmed that there will not be a number of days but that they will be "those that every woman needs".

The standard is based on menstrual health and how painful periods interfere with women's daily activities.

To access these paid licenses, you will have to present a medical certificate arguing that you suffer from disabling pain and it will be valid for one year.

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The payment of the days of incapacity will be assumed by the Social Security, according to the Country of Spain.

The norm will be evaluated in the Council of Ministers for a first approval and then by parliamentarians of the Lower House.

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One in three women suffer from pain during their menstrual cycle, something known as dysmenorrhea, according to the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Severe pain can be localized to the lower abdomen, lower back, and legs.

Many women also experience dizziness, headaches, and vomiting during their periods.

One of the countries with this type of law is Japan, which has contemplated these licenses since 1947 and, according to experience, has not had a negative impact on the operation of companies or workplaces.

Indonesia, Taiwan and Zambia are other countries that have similar measures.