Irish MEPs were divided when a controversial report on promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights came before the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Three out of the four Fine Gael MEPs and three Fianna Fáil MEPs wanted the report to be sent back to committee.
Seán Kelly, who did not vote for referral, later said that he made an error during the voting process and supported sending the report back to committee.
Independent Marian Harkin also supported referral.
However, the two Labour MEPs, independent MEP Nessa Childers and the Socialist Party's Paul Murphy wanted the measure voted on.
The referral option was passed by Parliament, with 351 in favour and 319 against.
In a statement afterwards, Mr Murphy said: "It is clear some Irish MEPs have learnt nothing from the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar."
He added: "Those politicians, including Irish MEPs who bluster in outrage about the 'rights of the unborn', are frankly hypocrites.
"They are the same politicians who are happy to vote for money to the armaments industry which is guilty of killing children every day."
