Should we create a menstrual leave in France? At a time when Italian parliamentarians are working on the initiation of a menstrual period, the idea of setting up such a measure in France is back on the menu of discussions. The debate is relaunched on the occasion of the release of the book on the subject “The Great Mystery of Rules: To end a taboo as old as the world” by Jack Parker. The author, invited on the set of Jean-Jacques Bourdin on RMC, defended the idea of granting paid days off per month to women who suffer during their period. This “menstrual leave” would be a way of breaking a taboo, according to the writer, by recognizing the menstrual pain that precedes or accompanies menstruation in some women. This disorder called dysmenorrhea, is not uncommon: it affects one in two women on average. Symptoms and their intensity are variable from one woman to another. Usually felt in the lower abdomen, the pain can extend to the back and thighs and can range from simple discomfort, moderate or severe pain to cramps or spasms in the lower abdomen, recalls the Health Insurance.
An idea that is not unanimous among doctors
If the introduction of menstrual leave in France is not on the government’s agenda, other countries have already taken the plunge such as Japan, South Korea or Taiwan.
Italy could be the first European country to implement this holiday if the bill is passed. In France, if the subject is not on the political table, it divides opinion, including doctors. Some have expressed their reluctance as to the need to grant time off work for menstrual pain. Example with Alain Tamborini, gynecologist specializing in hormonal problems, interviewed by RMC: “If a patient, a young woman, asks me for a period, I will first try to find out why. Why she feels disabled one, two or three days per cycle. On the other hand, examinations and explorations must be carried out.
It’s a joke this story of #CongMenstrual ? I have endometriosis, but I take it upon myself and go to work. Must stop …
– Fenotte ♡ (@Lion_LeMelhor) August 31, 2017
I have Dysmenorrhea and feel like people don’t realize the pain and the disability
I’m for the #congemenstrual.– La Brindille (@Dogilet) August 31, 2017
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