When it comes to the French constitution, the topic of abortion rights in France takes center stage.
France Abortion Rights Constitution: A Landmark Decision
French lawmakers erupted in applause as National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet declared the affirmative vote during a joint parliamentary session at the Palace of Versailles, near Paris. The decision aimed to embed the right to abortion within France’s constitution, marking a significant milestone. The image credit goes to Emmanuel Dunande/Pool/AFP via Getty Images.
France’s parliamentarians recently endorsed a bill to constitutionally safeguard the right to abortion, responding to concerns arising from the erosion of abortion rights in the United States. The historic move saw members from both chambers convene at the Palace of Versailles, with an overwhelming 780-72 approval, sparking a prolonged standing ovation.
Meanwhile, at the Place Du Trocadero in Paris, a crowd gathered to witness the proceedings on a large screen, with emotions running high as the vote tally unfolded. Among the spectators was 24-year-old Margot Eude, a budding politician and staunch feminist, expressing pride in her French identity amidst the pivotal decision.
“It’s crucial to enshrine abortion in the constitution as a precautionary measure,” remarked Eude. “My heart goes out to American women, and I hope France can serve as a global role model, especially for the U.S.”
As the legislation passed, Agnes Simon, a former midwife, was moved to tears, emphasizing the significance of this milestone. “This is a momentous step forward,” Simon reflected. “Having witnessed the struggles before abortion was legalized, I understand the gravity of this decision.”
France, having long permitted abortion, embarked on fortifying this right through a constitutional amendment in 2022, following concerns triggered by developments in the U.S. President Emmanuel Macron’s administration spearheaded this effort to embed women’s reproductive freedom in the constitution, aiming to prevent any regression in abortion rights.
Macron affirmed his commitment to this cause, stating, “I pledged to make women’s abortion rights irrevocable by constitutional inscription.” Both the Senate and the National Assembly concurred on amending Article 34 of the French Constitution to affirm women’s freedom to access abortion under legally defined conditions.
Notably, no major political faction in parliament contested the morality of abortion, although some conservative voices questioned the necessity of constitutional amendments.
France’s Stance on Abortion Rights: A Public Perspective
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, representing the National Rally party, acknowledged the unanimity on abortion within political circles, endorsing the constitutional amendment despite initial reservations. Recent surveys in France revealed overwhelming public support, with 90% backing abortion rights and 86% advocating for its constitutional protection.
France’s legalization of abortion in 1974, championed by health minister Simone Veil, marked a turning point amid societal resistance. The nation’s abortion laws have evolved against a backdrop of societal change, transitioning from conservative values to a more progressive outlook.
France’s commitment to abortion rights is underscored by its healthcare system, which reimburses abortion care costs. While opinions on the streets of Paris vary, the move to enshrine abortion rights in the constitution is seen as a safeguard for future generations, ensuring continuity in women’s reproductive autonomy.
Reporting from Paris, Eleanor Beardsley; based in Washington, D.C., Alex Leff contributed to this article.
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