MADRID -- Spain's parliament approved Thursday a law granting paid medical leave to women suffering severe period pain, becoming the first European country to advance such legislation. The law, which passed by 185 votes in favor to 154 against, is aimed at breaking a taboo on the subject, Spain's left-wing government has said. Menstrual leave is currently offered only in a small number of countries across the globe, such as Japan, Indonesia and Zambia. "It is a historic day for feminist progress," tweeted Equality Minister Irene Montero, who says the move is a step toward addressing a health problem that has been largely swept under the carpet. ...Keep on reading: Spain passes law for Europe’s first ‘menstrual leave’