the bill proposed by an environmentalist deputy represents a “tricky” subject for the majority

The Assembly’s Social Affairs Committee examines on Wednesday the bill from Sébastien Peytavie, environmentalist deputy for Dordogne, aimed at establishing a “menstrual stop” for women who have periods that are too painful. The subject embarrasses the presidential majority.

The bill from the environmentalist deputy, Sébastien Peytavie, which aims to establish a “menstrual cessation”is seen as “a tricky subject” by members of the presidential majority.“If we vote against, it could come back with a boomerangwarns a minister, We shouldn’t be seen as backwards.”while L’Oréal and Carrefour offer leave to women with endometriosis, or the city of Lyon has implemented menstrual leave.

The bill will be debated on Wednesday March 27 in committee and Thursday April 4 in the hemicycle. The text provides for up to 13 days off per year, with a medical certificate, for women whose periods are so painful that they become incapacitating. He also wants to allow teleworking during this period of the month, or even open negotiations in companies and in the public service to adjust positions and working times, in order to take into account the “women’s menstrual health”.

Disparate estimates

It’s sick leave that bothers the majority. Renaissance MPs should oppose it, because according to government estimates it could cost between 600 million and one billion euros per year, if half of women use the 13 days of leave. “Now is not the time to give a billion but rather to get it back”, grimaces an advisor. Sébastien Peytavie is banking on “only” 100 million euros per year for Social Security, because according to him, only the 10% of women most affected would use it. To finance the measure, environmentalists have an idea: use the 55 million VAT on periodic protection. It would therefore be necessary “just” find 50 million.

The other parts of the text are viewed with more interest by the majority. “Making employers aware of working time arrangements is more feasible”, we say behind the scenes. Hence this suggestion from a ministerial advisor: “We should remove from the text what we do not want, that would allow us to vote for.” With the risk, however, of being accused of emptying the proposal of its substance.

In any case, environmentalists are doing everything to ensure that this subject does not go unnoticed in public opinion. They had around ten deputies – men – from LFI to LR through the majority, test a period pain simulator. Since Friday, the video – with these suffering elected officials – has been viewed more than 2.5 million times! Some “guinea pigs” confide that the experience makes them “to reflect on”. One of them is not convinced by the environmentalist bill but he is categorical: “We need to find ways to support women who have painful periods.”