Portuguese employees who are afflicted by endometriosis or adenomyosis are now entitled to three consecutive days of employer-paid leave per month, providing support to individuals experiencing severe, painful, disruptive, or disabling menstrual pain.
In order to benefit from such an entitlement, employees must provide their employer with a medical certificate confirming that they have been diagnosed specifically with endometriosis or adenomyosis, accompanied by debilitating pain. Such a certificate doesn’t need to be renewed.
Diagnosed employees are entitled to paid leave for up to three consecutive days per month of work, that is to say, up to 36 days per year, fully paid by the employer. Law 32/2025 is set to ensure universal healthcare coverage for all Portuguese citizens and residents affected by painful endometriosis or adenomyosis. The National Health Service (NHS) is set to follow certain guidelines, including the symptoms to monitor, the available diagnostic tests and procedures, and recommended follow-up care. The law also mandates the establishment of a co-payment scheme for medications prescribed by NHS specialist doctors to either treat or manage symptoms associated with endometriosis and adenomyosis. Fertility preservation services will also be fully accessible through the NHS, including the collection and storage of egg cells. Employers are encouraged to consider broader accommodations for employees experiencing severe menstrual symptoms, including additional paid or unpaid leave, remote work arrangements, or flexible working hours.
