The European Parliament has approved the revision of the EU Electoral Act to enable female MEPs to delegate their voting rights before and after childbirth. The reform, adopted by 616 votes in favour, 24 against and 8 abstentions, introduces a temporary exception to the current rule requiring in-person voting, enabling female MEPs to delegate their vote to a trusted colleague for up to three months before their due date and for six months after giving birth. The measure “seeks to strengthen gender equality, democratic representation, and work-life balance, ensuring that MEPs can exercise their mandates in full while managing health and family responsibilities”. The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, who initiated the reform, said: “I am proud of Parliament’s work. It is a big milestone for a more modern and just Parliament. No member should lose her right to vote because of becoming a mother. I will continue to work closely with the member states and their parliaments now to ensure a smooth ratification of this amendment to the electoral act, so members can benefit from the changes quickly”. The revised EU Electoral Act now requires formal adoption by the Council and ratification by all member states in line with their constitutional requirements.