Spain becomes first European country to introduce paid menstrual leave

Also approved was new legislation that will allow anyone over 16 to change their legally registered gender

The law gives workers the right to a three-day “menstrual” leave of absence, which can be extended it to five days. The leave will also require a doctor's note.

Spain is to become the first country in Europe to introduce paid menstrual leave.

A vote on the new law, which introduces up to five days of menstrual leave for women who have incapacitating periods, passed through the Spanish parliament earlier today.