Chamber approves menstrual leave of up to two days; text goes to the Senate

The Chamber of Deputies approved a bill on Tuesday, the 28th, that provides for up to two consecutive days of leave per month for women suffering from severe symptoms associated with menstrual flow. The proposal now awaits consideration in the Senate.

To be eligible for paid leave, workers must present a medical report attesting to debilitating conditions that temporarily prevent them from performing their duties. This measure will apply to formally employed workers, interns, and domestic workers.

The approved text is the version of the rapporteur, Congresswoman Professora Marcivania (PCdoB-AP), for Bill 1249/22, proposed by Congresswoman Jandira Feghali (PCdoB-RJ). The original proposal called for a longer leave of absence, of up to three days, for women.

Under the approved proposal, the Executive Branch will be responsible for defining the validity period of medical reports, their presentation format, and the frequency of their renewal. The rules to be defined by the federal government must also consider the specific activities performed by women.