The reform, adopted by 616 votes in favour, 24 against and eight abstentions, introduces a temporary exception to the current rule requiring personal voting and allows a MEP to delegate her vote to a colleague she trusts, three months before the birth of a child and six months after the birth.
"The measure aims to strengthen gender equality, democratic representation and work-life balance by ensuring that MEPs can fully carry out their work while managing health and family responsibilities," the European Parliament said.
Parliament Speaker Roberta Mezzola, who initiated the reform, said that no female MP should lose her right to vote because she became a mother.
"I will continue to work closely with member states and their parliaments to ensure the smooth ratification of these amendments to the electoral law," Mezzola said.
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