> I can't imagine that women in advanced stages of pregnancy require close parking spaces so often that they are warranted, meaning such spaces would go to waste 99% of the time. For the remaining 1%, I wouldn't care if they used the handicapped spots.
>
> But reserving spaces for "families with children" is utterly absurd.

In NZ, we only have the standard handicapped parking spaces, which have the dual advantage of being closer and being wide enough so that a wheelchair user can get in and out of their car. However, any driver (wheelchair user or not) who wants to park in these spaces without getting ticketed or towed must apply for a sticker for their car.

People whose lack of mobility is due to temporary conditions, such as a broken leg or pregnancy, can apply for the stickers in the same way. I don't know what the criteria are, but I think it covers almost any physical issue which means a closer and/or wider parking space is necessary.

Not that I'm saying this rule works very well, any more than it does in the USA. But I like it in principle.