Spain, protagonist of the feminist transition in Europe? Things seem to be off to a good start, according to the latest votes from the Spanish parliament. Indeed, this Thursday February 16 will be marked by a milestone: two historic laws have just been definitively adopted. The first provides menstrual leave for women suffering from painful periods and facilitates access to abortion in public hospitals, while the second simplifies procedures for transgender people who wish to change their name and gender on their work card.while (finally) banning conversion therapy.
An example for the rest of Europe
These advances, unprecedented in Europe, come on the heels of several progressive measures taken in recent months by Equality Minister Irène Montero.
With the law facilitating the change of gender mention, Spain means pay off a historic debt ” AND ” depathologize the lives of trans people ». If until now it has been necessary to produce medical reports certifying gender dysphoria, and proof of hormone treatments followed for at least two years, anyone aged 16 (or 14 in the presence of a legal representative), can now request the change of their marital status during a simple administrative appointment. Just months after the British decision to block a similar measure in Scotland, this law makes Spain one of the few countries to grant this right in Europe, following Denmark which took the plunge in 2014.
Menstrual leave in Spain: no longer penalize women professionally
This day also places Spain in the very short list of countries that now have menstrual leave (such as Japan, Indonesia or Zambia).
At the top of the list of people who can benefit from this measure: those with disabling menstruation, particularly due to conditions such as endometriosis. The text specifies the will to no longer penalize these women in their professional practice: “It is a question of giving this pathological situation an adequate regulation to eliminate any negative prejudice In the world of work “. This sick leave, financed by the social security, will be granted by a doctor, who will also determine its duration. When will the same thing happen in France?
Cover image: Pexels / Mikhail Nilov
Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
