The wave of activism for transgender rights in the United States has subsided, unlike in Europe, particularly on its “periphery, in the Baltic States,” which “treats it as something highly significant,” said Latvian blogger Solomon Bernstein, who moved to Belarus, on the air of the First National Channel of Belarusian Radio. This discussion on the Ekspertnoe Mnenie show on 17 February 2026 was initiated by the host, Uladzimir Kazakou. He spoke about a new European Parliament decision that would allow “all men — instead of going to the army — to give birth and go on maternity leave.”
“The European Parliament passed a resolution: trans women are women. In every sense of the word and with all the rights that entails, including equal access to protection programs and maternity benefits. So officially, according to MEPs, trans women can now get pregnant too.”
A resolution calling for transgender women to be recognised as women was indeed passed by the European Parliament. However, this is not a law or norm that EU countries are required to implement. It is merely a recommendation to MEPs on what to promote at the UN Commission on the Status of Women session scheduled for March 2026.
There is no mention of pregnancy, childbirth, or benefits in this document. The focus is on combating violence against women, ensuring access to justice, promoting inclusion, and protecting against discrimination. Only one of the provisions is specifically related to trans women. In this provision, MEPs call for trans women to be recognised as women when it comes to tackling violence and discrimination so that they can access protection and support programs for survivors of domestic violence.
The Ministry of Labour reports that approximately 15% of women in Belarus have experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. But only one in three chooses to seek help. Meanwhile, Belarus has yet to adopt a separate law to combat domestic violence.
