Paris, France – French lawmakers overwhelmingly voted on Monday to pass a bill enshrining abortion rights in the country’s constitution. This historic decision makes France the first country in the world to explicitly guarantee a woman’s right to choose to terminate a pregnancy. President Emmanuel Macron proposed this move as a preventive measure against potential rollbacks on abortion rights, similar to those seen in the United States.
The bill, passed with a strong majority of 780-72 in the Palace of Versailles, solidifies the longstanding legal status of abortion in France since its legalization in 1975. The bipartisan support for abortion rights in France was evident by the lawmakers’ standing ovation during the joint session of parliament.
Both the National Assembly and the Senate previously approved the bill separately, in accordance with the constitutional amendment process. The revised Article 34 of the French Constitution now specifies that the law safeguards “the freedom of women to have recourse to an abortion.” This step is viewed as a significant advancement in France’s commitment to upholding women’s reproductive rights.
In his address to the lawmakers before the vote, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasized the importance of France taking a leadership role in advancing women’s rights globally. He paid tribute to Simone Veil, a trailblazing legislator who played a pivotal role in decriminalizing abortion in France in 1975. Attal urged the assembly to make history and honor Veil’s legacy by supporting the constitutional amendment.
The overwhelming support for the bill cuts across all major political parties in France, demonstrating a united front in protecting the right to abortion. This unity is especially noteworthy amid growing global concerns over challenges to women’s reproductive rights, as exemplified by recent events in the United States.
The decision to include abortion rights in the French Constitution marks a significant milestone in the country’s legal framework. It not only strengthens protections for this fundamental right but also sets a precedent for other nations to prioritize women’s autonomy and equality. The celebratory scenes across France following the parliamentary vote underscore the victory for feminist activists and proponents of reproductive rights.