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House Of Representatives Approves Two-Day Menstrual Leave And Strengthens Legislation In Defense Of Women’s Rights At Work.
The House Of Representatives approved on Tuesday (10/28/2025) the bill that creates menstrual leave of two days per month for women who suffer from incapacitating symptoms during their menstrual cycle.
The proposal, considered a step forward in the legislation of women’s rights, is part of a package of measures aimed at women’s health voted in a concentrated effort by the House.
The leave will allow workers to be absent with a medical certificate that confirms symptoms such as severe cramps, migraines, or extreme weakness.
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For the first time in history, millions of Brazilians will receive the 13th salary of 2026 without any Income Tax deductions — and the amount can arrive in full in their accounts.
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Millions of Brazilians will have to work more in 2026: the score to retire has risen to 93 and 103, the minimum age has increased, and those who planned to retire this year may be in for a surprise.
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Paternity leave increases from 5 to 20 days with Law 15.371/2026, which also created paternity pay through INSS and guaranteed job stability for fathers for up to 30 days after the end of the leave.
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The new law No. 15,377, sanctioned by Lula and published in the Official Gazette of the Union on April 6, guarantees 3 days off for workers to undergo medical examinations.
The rule will also apply to interns and domestic workers, expanding the scope of the benefit.
Bill Reduces Leave Time To Two Days Per Month
The original text, authored by the deputy Jandira Feghali (PCdoB-RJ), provided for three days of menstrual leave.
However, the rapporteur Professor Marcivania (PCdoB-AP) proposed a reduction to two days, seeking a balance between women’s rights and the impact on the labor market.
In her report, Marcivania emphasized the humanitarian nature of the project:
“It must be clearly stated that this project is not about comfort and, much less, privilege. It is about pain, real pain, debilitating pain, pain that makes women bleed to the point of having to rush to an emergency room to take opioids, receive medication intravenously to endure their own bodies,” the rapporteur stated during the vote.
The proposal is part of the set of measures advocated by the female caucus of the House Of Representatives, which seeks to ensure more dignity and health for Brazilian women.
Menstrual Leave Faces Economic Resistance
Despite majority support, the bill generated debate among parliamentarians. The New Party presented a request for its withdrawal from the agenda, arguing that the proposal creates a new labor right without clear economic counterparts.
Deputy Luiz Lima (Novo-RJ) stated that the measure could lead to “burdens for employers and initial legal insecurity.”
The request, however, was rejected, and the text was approved in plenary with significant support from different party caucuses.
Women’s Rights Gain New Space In Legislation
With the approval, the project strengthens the legislation on women’s rights and marks a step forward in public policies for women’s health.
The session was chaired by Deputy Jack Rocha (PT-ES), coordinator of the female caucus.
According to her, the set of approved projects “promotes more health and dignity for Brazilian women.”
In addition to menstrual leave, the House Of Representatives also approved other proposals aimed at comprehensive care for women’s health, consolidating its actions in favor of gender equality and the protection of women’s health.
Other Projects In The Female Agenda Package
The approved package includes measures that expand access to exams and disease prevention actions. Among them:
PL 5.821/2023: expands mammography services and screening exams for the prevention and treatment of cervical and breast cancers;
PL 265/2020: guarantees, through the SUS, genetic testing for predisposition to cancer in women;
PL 2.112/2024: creates guidelines for comprehensive maternal health care and establishes the National Awareness Week on maternal mortality;
PL 499/2025: guarantees the right of women over 40 years old to annual mammograms through the SUS.
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