Paris, France – France made history by becoming the first country to embed abortion rights in its constitution on Monday, a significant milestone following the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Lawmakers from both chambers of the French Parliament overwhelmingly voted in favor of the measure, solidifying the “guaranteed freedom” to abortion in France.
The final step in the legislative process took place during a special assembly at the Palace of Versailles, where the amendment to the French constitution received resounding support from both the French Senate and National Assembly earlier this year. The move was hailed as a decisive signal of support for reproductive rights in light of threats to abortion in the United States and certain parts of Europe.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasized the importance of acknowledging the past struggles of women who were forced to undergo illegal abortions, urging lawmakers to recognize that “your body belongs to you.” French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for a formal ceremony on International Women’s Rights Day to celebrate the passage of the amendment.
The amendment’s approval marks a triumph for the French left, which has long advocated for constitutional protection of abortion rights. The shift in stance came in response to the US Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade, compelling France to take action in safeguarding reproductive rights. The Catholic Church stood in opposition to the amendment, asserting that there is no ‘right’ to take human life in the era of universal human rights.
Overall, the vote represents the 25th amendment to the French constitution since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958, signifying a significant milestone in the nation’s legislative history. Despite differing opinions and international contexts, the move to enshrine abortion rights in the constitution underscores France’s commitment to upholding fundamental rights in the face of evolving social and political landscapes.