MEPs with new-borns can delegate their vote – but only if they are women

MEPs with new-borns can delegate their vote – but only if they are women

A New Provision for Female MEPs

MEPs with new borns can delegate – The European Parliament has introduced a provision allowing female members to transfer their voting power to a fellow lawmaker before and after childbirth, a development designed to enhance work-life balance. This measure, however, has sparked debate, as some argue it may contradict the institution’s long-standing gender equality initiatives. Despite this, the rule has been enacted, granting women the flexibility to step away from voting duties during critical periods of child-rearing.

Flexible Voting for Mothers

Under the new policy, female MEPs may delegate their votes to a trusted colleague for up to three months prior to giving birth and for six months afterward. This shift marks a departure from the previous requirement for in-person participation during plenary sessions. The European Parliament has already provided new mothers with six months of maternity leave, spanning two months before and four months after childbirth. Yet, prior to this change, women were unable to exercise their voting rights during this time, creating a gap in their representation.

Voices from the Floor

“For three months, I was on maternity leave without the ability to cast a vote,” said Chloé Ridel, a French Socialist MEP and mother of a three-month-old. “When you have a newborn, it’s nearly impossible to attend Strasbourg without your child. If you can’t vote, you can’t effectively represent the people who chose you.”

Ridel’s experience highlights the challenges faced by women in balancing parliamentary duties with parental responsibilities. While she now delegates her votes, she still sacrifices a day each week to care for her child, who remains in Brussels while she travels to Strasbourg. “I have to skip Monday evening votes,” she explained. “Voting means being away from my baby for three nights and three days, which feels like too much for someone already stretched thin.”

Support and Concerns

The proposal received strong backing, with 616 MEPs voting in favor, 24 opposing, and eight abstaining. This overwhelming support signals a recognition of the practical difficulties women face in maintaining their roles as lawmakers and caregivers. However, the policy’s exclusivity to women has raised questions about the equitable distribution of childcare responsibilities. Although parental leave policies in the Parliament cover both fathers and mothers, the voting delegation option is limited to female members.

Gender Dynamics in Parental Leave

Cristina Guarda, an Italian Green/EFA MEP who recently gave birth, emphasized the gendered nature of the debate. “Proxy voting for fathers was impossible because of a traditional view of parenthood that still sees mothers as the primary caregivers,” she noted. Guarda, known for bringing her infant into the plenary chamber during debates, even breastfed while speaking on several occasions. Her actions underscore the evolving role of mothers in politics, yet the new rule leaves fathers without similar flexibility.

Failed Attempts for Equal Representation

Despite efforts to broaden the policy to include male MEPs, the initiative was narrowly defeated in November 2025. An amendment proposing equal voting delegation for all parents was rejected, with 616 votes in favor, 24 against, and eight abstentions. The vote was conducted without a roll call, so the specific MEPs opposing the change remain unidentified. However, the far-right Patriots for Europe (PfE) group was vocal in its criticism. “The liberals and Greens wanted this rule extended to all parents,” said Marieke Ehlers, a Dutch PfE MEP. “They argue that fathers should also be allowed to leave their children with others, but I think they underestimate the reality of child-rearing for mothers.”

Broader Implications for Gender Equality

The debate over the voting delegation rule reflects a broader tension in the European Parliament’s approach to gender equality. While the institution has long championed policies to support working mothers, the new provision seems to reinforce the idea that women bear a unique burden in balancing professional and personal life. Critics argue that this could perpetuate stereotypes, where fathers are seen as more capable of handling the logistical challenges of parenting without compromising their parliamentary duties.

Policy Adjustments and Future Steps

The measure now requires ratification by the EU’s national parliaments before it becomes law. This process will determine whether the provision is implemented across all member states, potentially setting a precedent for other regions. The rule’s focus on women has also prompted discussions about the need for more inclusive policies that acknowledge the diverse realities of parenthood. For instance, some MEPs have pointed out that fathers often face their own obstacles, such as the lack of paid paternity leave in certain countries, which could make it harder for them to participate in voting sessions.

Real-World Impact and Adjustments

Ridel’s personal story illustrates how the policy could make a tangible difference. She described the emotional toll of being unable to vote during her child’s early weeks, a sentiment echoed by many female lawmakers. “It’s not just about missing a vote; it’s about feeling disconnected from the decisions that shape our communities,” she said. Meanwhile, the system allows for adjustments, such as delegating votes in blocks or selecting a temporary substitute. This flexibility aims to address the varied needs of MEPs during the postpartum period.

Looking Ahead: Equalizing the Playing Field

As the policy moves forward, advocates for gender equality are urging a reevaluation of its scope. The current framework prioritizes women’s needs but may not fully address the complexities of shared parental responsibilities. “We need to ensure that both mothers and fathers are supported equally,” said Guarda. “Otherwise, we risk reinforcing the notion that caregiving is a female-only obligation.” The European Parliament’s decision to grant this specific privilege to women has sparked a conversation about how to further integrate gender equality into all aspects of EU governance, from voting procedures to leave entitlements.

The debate underscores the ongoing struggle to reconcile the demands of political life with the realities of raising children. While the new rule offers immediate relief for female MEPs, it also highlights the need for broader reforms that recognize the equal challenges faced by all parents. As the EU continues to evolve its approach to work-life balance, this provision may serve as both a milestone and a starting point for more inclusive policies in the future.