While in the past contestants we disqualified for being pregnant or getting married, the new memo released details new rules that allow pregnant and married women to contest.

In an e-mail sent to national directors earlier today, the Miss Universe Organization announced that they will start accepting married women and mothers to compete in their pageant system starting next year onwards.

“Effective the 72nd Miss Universe and national preliminary competition leading up to it, women who are or have been married, as well as women who are pregnant or have children, will be able to compete.”

“Miss Universe organization has always strived to evolve with the changing times to best represent and support women globally.”

“Effective with the 72nd Miss Universe competition and national preliminary competitions leading up to it, women who are or have been married, as well as women who are pregnant or have children, will be able to compete.”

“We believe women should have agency over their lives, and that a human’s personal decisions should not be a barrier to their success. Recent data also shows that the average age of marriage for women and first-time pregnancy globally begins at 21.”

Read the full email here: