Spain approves menstrual leave, teen abortion and trans laws

 

Spain's parliament on Thursday approved legislation expanding abortion and transgender rights for teenagers, becoming the first country in Europe to offer workers paid monthly leave.

The driving force behind the two laws was Equality Minister Irene Montero, a junior member of Spain's left-wing coalition government "United We Can".

Changes to sexual and reproductive rights mean that 16- and 17-year-olds in Spain can now have an abortion without parental consent.

Period products are now offered free in schools and prisons, and state-run health centers will do the same, along with hormonal contraceptives and the morning-after pill.