Latvian parliamentary committee rejected proposal for menstrual leave policy
In the heart of Europe, Latvia, a country known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is grappling with an issue that affects half its population: menstruation. As of mid-2025, the Latvian government does not have an official policy granting additional days off for menstruation beyond the standard leave entitlements.
According to current labor law, full-time workers are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid annual leave, along with maternity (140 days) and paternity leave. However, no public sources mention supplementary leave related explicitly to menstruation[1][4].
When it comes to public health literacy and women's health, Latvia has made significant strides in other areas. The country has ratified the Istanbul Convention and implemented comprehensive policies and public awareness campaigns to combat domestic violence and support survivors. Yet, there is no specific mention of government initiatives to promote health literacy explicitly focused on menstruation or reproductive health[3].
Recently, an initiative was brought before the Saeima, Latvia's parliament, proposing the introduction of additional days off for those experiencing painful, debilitating menstruation. The initiative, authored by Marija Uškanova, has sparked a debate, marking the first open discussion on the topic in the country.
Dace Rezeberga, a chief specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics at the Ministry of Health, and Lāsma Līdaka, president of the Latvian Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, were among the experts invited to the meeting. Both agree that public education is a more appropriate solution rather than granting additional days off during menstruation.
Dace Kļaviņa, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Health, does not support the idea of granting additional holidays to address heavy menstruation. Instead, she suggests promoting women's knowledge and understanding of how to improve their health as a solution.
Despite the current stance, the issue is a pressing concern for many women across the country. Over 11,000 votes were collected on the website 'manabalss.lv' regarding the issue of painful, debilitating menstruation.
The committee members have voted to ask the Cabinet of Ministers to propose an action plan to address the specific issues outlined in the initiative. The deadline for the government's response is 1 December, and a decision will be made on how to proceed after the government responds.
In the meantime, employers can provide flexible working hours for their employees, including the option of remote working, to accommodate those experiencing discomfort during their periods. Labour legislation already allows for sick leave to be taken in the event of deteriorating health.
This first open discussion on menstrual leave is seen by Marija Uškanova as the first step towards a more understanding society. While the issue may not be supported for further consideration in the Saeima, the dialogue it has initiated is a significant step forward in addressing the needs of women in Latvia.
- The Latvian government, as of mid-2025, does not have an official policy granting additional days off for menstruation beyond the standard leave entitlements, unlike the comprehensive policies and public awareness campaigns for women's health and domestic violence.
- The Saeima, Latvia's parliament, recently entertained an initiative proposing additional days off for painful, debilitating menstruation, marking the first open discussion on this topic in the country.
- Dace Rezeberga and Lāsma Līdaka, experts in gynaecology and obstetrics, advocate for public education as a more suitable solution instead of granting additional days off during menstruation.
- Although the government has yet to decide on the proposal for menstrual leave, the initiative has sparked a dialogue about mental health, women's health, and the needs of women in Latvia, signifying progress towards a more understanding society.
