Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns in late May about the lack of paid leave for women experiencing painful menstrual cycles. They described this shortfall as economic violence. Representative Adelita Grijalva from Arizona emphasized that workers should not have to choose between their rent payments and taking a day off to recover from a grueling gynecological procedure.

Representatives Yassamin Ansari and Rashida Tlaib joined Grijalva in support of the Reproductive Healthcare Leave Act, a part of Ansari’s “H.E.R.” (Healthy, Equity, Rights) Agenda. The proposed bill, labeled H.R. 8158, aims to grant up to 12 days of paid leave annually for reproductive health-related issues. These issues include severe menstrual pain, abortions, menopause symptoms, miscarriages, biopsies, and vasectomies.

No one should have to choose between their paycheck and their health to be able to manage that kind of incredible pain.

The bill’s introduction saw endorsement from 28 Democratic co-sponsors but faced criticism with no Republican support. Some critics voiced concerns that the bill could lead to gender-based discrimination in hiring practices. Others speculated on whether the bill would cover conditions like prostate or testosterone-related issues for men.

Ansari shared her personal experiences with menstrual pain, recounting an incident where she woke up on the floor of a store, drenched in sweat, and needed medical assistance. She emphasized the severity of menstrual pain, which she describes as feeling like barbed wire inside her.

The proposed leave act has received backing from organizations such as Planned Parenthood, the National Organization for Women (NOW), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Despite anticipated roadblocks, Planned Parenthood Votes vice president Angela Vasquez-Giroux urged lawmakers to continue advocating for their vision of paid reproductive health leave.