The Menstrual Leave Debate
By: Jahanvi Chawla // November 2026
In 2023, Spain became the first European country to provide menstrual leave, allowing women three days of leave due to “incapacitating menstruation.” This sparked dialogue around the world addressing the importance of menstrual leave and whether it provided any benefits.
Currently, a handful of countries around the world provide some version of menstrual leave; the United States is not one of these countries. Policies surrounding menstrual leave vary depending on the country. Spain has a stricter policy that requires a doctor’s note in order for the leave to be approved, while other countries such as Indonesia have a more relaxed policy that gives females two days off at the start of their period.
Proponents for menstrual leave argue that menstruation can significantly affect an individual’s ability to participate in daily activities including work and school. However, menstruation is not a universal experience. Individuals experience different cycles, symptoms, and levels of pain. Additionally, conditions such as endometriosis, PMOS (formerly PCOS), and other reproductive health disorders can cause additional pain and complications. Beyond physical challenges, individuals also face barriers to accessing affordable menstrual products, appropriate healthcare, and necessary treatments. Menstrual leave can help alleviate the stigma that women may face surrounding periods, such as feeling shameful about periods and attempting to mask menstrual distress. These differences highlight the importance of recognizing menstrual health as more than a monthly inconvenience.
While there are many benefits in providing menstrual leave, there are potential drawbacks as well. Some argue that providing this leave can result in furthering sexist beliefs in the workplace. Many argue that providing this leave only encourages beliefs that women are inferior in the workplace and require more accommodations. Additionally, it reinforces ideas of traditional roles and that menstruation is a sign of womanhood and feminine fragility.
The discussion around menstrual leave highlights the needs for greater recognition of menstrual health and reduction in stigma in both workplace policies and society. While concerns about workplace discrimination and reinforcing gender stereotypes are important to consider, they should not overshadow the experiences of individuals facing the symptoms nor the menstrual health gaps faced.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10810236/