Missing work due to endometriosis: Learn how the new law will work

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

The law that reinforces the rights of people with endometriosis and adenomyosis was published, ensuring better access to healthcare and establishing a regime of justified absences from work and classes, with changes to the Labor Code. (Source: 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 reinforcing their access to healthcare and creating a justified absence regime for work and classes up to three consecutive days per month, amending the Labor Code," reads the document.

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

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

The law also allows students to justify their absences from classes.

Legislation also ensures that "students suffering from disabling pain caused by endometriosis or adenomyosis 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 like at work, "justifying absences requires presenting a medical prescription to the educational institution, without the need for monthly renewal".  

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

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