Endometriosis leave: Learn how the new law will work.

New law allows up to 3 justified absences per month for women with endometriosis.

The law that strengthens the rights of people with endometriosis and adenomyosis has been published, ensuring better access to healthcare and establishing a regime of justified absences from work and classes, with changes to the Labor Code. (Translated from Portuguese) [https://www.homepagejuridica.pt/legislacao/destaques-do-diario-da-republica/14317-lei-n-32-2025-de-27-de-marco]

The present law promotes the rights of people with endometriosis or adenomyosis by strengthening their access to healthcare and creating a regime of justified absence from work and classes for up to three consecutive days per month, amending the Labor Code," the document reads.

Thus, the new law provides that "workers suffering from intense and disabling pain due to endometriosis or adenomyosis during the menstrual period may be absent from work with justification, without any loss of pay, for up to three consecutive days per month".

In order for this absence to be justified, it is necessary to present a medical prescription certifying the condition and severity of the pain. This document must be handed to the employer, but does not need monthly renewal.

The law also allows students to have justified absences from classes.

Legislation also ensures that "students who suffer from incapacitating pain caused by endometriosis or adenomiosis during the menstrual period have the right to miss classes in a justified manner, up to three consecutive days per month, without prejudice to their rights".

Just as in the workplace, "justification of absences requires the presentation of a medical prescription to the educational institution, without the need for monthly renewal".  

Also read: Are 3-day absences for online self-declaration paid?

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