France has become the first country in the world to explicitly include the right to abortion in its constitution.
Parliamentarians have voted to amend the country’s 1958 constitution, solidifying women’s “guaranteed freedom” to undergo abortions.
The resounding 780-72 vote prompted a standing ovation in the Versailles parliament upon the announcement of the result. President Emmanuel Macron hailed the move as a source of “French pride,” delivering a “universal message.”
Despite widespread support with 85% of the public favoring constitutional protection for the right to terminate pregnancies, the change has faced strong criticism from anti-abortion groups and the Vatican.
While abortion has been legal in France since 1975, this constitutional amendment marks a historic moment, making France the first country to explicitly declare the guaranteed right to abortion. It serves as the 25th amendment to modern France’s founding document and the first since 2008.
Post-vote, the Eiffel Tower in Paris illuminated in celebration, displaying the message: “My Body My Choice.”
Prior to the vote, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasized the ongoing vulnerability of the right to abortion, stating it was “in danger” and “at the mercy of decision-makers.” He added, “We’re sending a message to all women: your body belongs to you, and no one can decide for you.”
While facing no opposition from right-wingers in parliament, President Macron is accused of leveraging the constitution for electoral purposes.
Critics argue that the revision, while not inherently flawed, is deemed unnecessary, and they accuse the president of attempting to use the issue to enhance his left-wing credentials.
Since 1975, the law has undergone nine updates, each aimed at expanding access. The constitutional council in France, responsible for determining the constitutionality of laws, has never raised any concerns.
In a 2001 ruling, the council justified its approval of abortion based on the concept of liberty enshrined in the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man, technically a part of the constitution. Many legal experts contend that abortion was already a constitutional right.
The recent constitutional change was prompted by developments in the US, where the Supreme Court removed the right to abortion in 2022. This allowed individual states to once again prohibit the procedure, thereby jeopardizing the abortion rights of millions of women.
The move to embed abortion rights in the French constitution has garnered widespread support. Laura Slimani of the Fondation des Femmes rights group expressed concern, noting the retreat of this right in the United States and emphasizing that France is not immune to such risks.
However, not everyone supports the change, with the Vatican reiterating its opposition to abortion. The Vatican institution stated that there can be no ‘right’ to take a human life, echoing concerns voiced by French Catholic bishops. It appealed to all governments and religious traditions to prioritize the protection of life in this phase of history.
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