Democrats call lack of menstrual leave ‘economic violence’ in push for new federal law

Democrats call lack of menstrual leave ‘economic violence’ in push for new federal law


Democratic lawmakers complained in late May about employers not providing paid leave for painful menstruation cycles, calling it “economic violence.”

“Forcing a worker to choose between paying her rent or losing a day’s pay to recover from a grueling gynecological procedure is not a choice. It’s economic violence,” Rep. Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., said during a press conference on May 21.

Grijalva was joined by Reps. Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., who are backing Ansari’s Reproductive Healthcare Leave Act, which is a part of her “H.E.R.” (Healthy, Equity, Rights) Agenda.

The Reproductive Healthcare Leave Act (H.R. 8158) — the flagship bill — would provide up to 12 days of paid leave per year for reproductive health needs, including severe menstrual pain, abortions, menopause symptoms, miscarriages, biopsies, vasectomies and more. The “H.E.R.” Agenda also includes studies regarding gynecological pain management and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder awareness.

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