EU Parliament Votes to Recognize Trans Women as Women

The non-binding resolution also labels denying abortion as 'gender-based violence'

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The European Parliament has passed a non-binding resolution that calls for the 'full recognition of trans women as women' and claims that denying someone an abortion constitutes 'gender-based violence'. The resolution, approved by a vote of 340-141, will be part of the EU's official negotiating position at the upcoming United Nations Commission on the Status of Women meeting.

Why it matters

The resolution, while non-binding, represents the EU Parliament's stance on transgender rights and abortion access. It highlights the ongoing debate around the legal and social status of transgender individuals, as well as the continued controversy over abortion rights in Europe.

The details

The resolution states that 'the full recognition of trans women as women' is 'essential for the effectiveness of any gender-equality and anti-violence policies.' It also claims that 'violations of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including the denial of safe and legal abortion services and all forms of obstetric and gynaecological violence, constitute gender-based violence and breaches of fundamental human rights.' The text was approved despite an amendment that sought to state that 'only biological women can become pregnant', which was rejected.

  • The European Parliament passed the resolution on February 12, 2026.
  • The 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is taking place in New York next month.

The players

European Parliament

The legislative body of the European Union, responsible for passing laws and resolutions.

Tomasz Froelich

A German MEP from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, who criticized the resolution as part of a 'pro-abortion' and gender ideology agenda.

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What they’re saying

“Froelich called the European Parliament a 'madhouse.'”

— Tomasz Froelich, German MEP, Alternative for Germany (AfD) (LifeSiteNews)

What’s next

The resolution will be part of the EU's official negotiating position at the upcoming 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York next month.

The takeaway

The European Parliament's resolution highlights the ongoing debate around transgender rights and abortion access in Europe, with the non-binding text representing the EU's stance on these issues as it prepares for negotiations at the upcoming UN meeting.