Women with severe period pain will be allowed up to three days of menstrual leave each month, as part of the Spanish government’s new reform plan set to be approved next week.

The Spanish Gynaecology and Obstetrics Society reported that close to a third of women who menstruate suffer from dysmenorrhea, which is severe pain, with the amount increasing when considering pre-menstrual pain.

“If someone has an illness with such symptoms a temporary disability is granted, so the same should happen with menstruation – allowing a woman with a very painful period to stay at home,” Spanish secretary of state for equality told El Periodico.

Other proposals within the reform bill include a requirement for schools to provide sanitary pads for students who require them, making pads & tampons free for socially-marginalised women and the removal of VAT from the sale price of women’s sanitary products.

Spain’s left-wing government is also planning to make abortion more available by abolishing the requirement of parental permission for individuals aged 16 and 17 whilst also guaranteeing access to abortion in public hospitals.

Should we adopt these measures in Malta?

#MaltaDaily