Spain is poised to become the first European country to grant workers “menstrual leave”, a proposal that’s sharpening political divisions in the country over the push to improve women’s rights.

A draft law presented by socialist prime minister Pedro Sanchez’s government on Tuesday would allow those suffering from severe period pains to take paid time off each month, under medical supervision. After a go-ahead from cabinet, the plan now goes to parliament and the senate for approval.

The measure was put forward by minister of equality Irene Montero, from Podemos, Sanchez’s far-left junior coalition partner, as part of a drive to promote women’s health. The policy includes a requirement for schools and prisons to offer sanitary pads to people who need them and gives girls aged 16 years and older the right to seek an abortion without parental consent...