France to Constitutionalize Abortion Rights

French lawmakers are poised to make history by anchoring the right to abortion in the country’s constitution, a move expected to garner overwhelming support in both chambers of parliament. A congress of both houses, convened in Versailles, aims to secure the three-fifths majority required for the change, following initial resistance in the right-leaning Senate.

If approved, France would become the first country globally to explicitly protect the right to terminate a pregnancy in its fundamental law. President Emmanuel Macron’s commitment to include abortion in the constitution comes in response to the US Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn long-standing abortion rights, signaling a pivotal moment for reproductive rights worldwide.

The momentum for this historic amendment gained traction when France’s National Assembly overwhelmingly voted in favor of enshrining abortion as a “guaranteed freedom” in January. This endorsement was followed by the Senate’s support last week, setting the stage for a final vote in a joint session of parliament at the Palace of Versailles.

The significance of this moment is not lost on advocates who have fought tirelessly for reproductive rights. Claudine Monteil, a key figure in the women’s rights movement, reflects on the journey from the groundbreaking 1971 “Manifesto of the 343” to the imminent constitutional protection of abortion rights. The legislation honors the legacy of Simone Veil, the trailblazing health minister who championed the legalization of abortion in 1975.

While abortion rights have made strides over the decades, recent challenges, including the US Supreme Court’s decision, have reignited the global conversation on reproductive rights. Leah Hoctor of the Center for Reproductive Rights notes that France’s constitutional provision could set a precedent not only in Europe but also worldwide.

The overwhelming public support for this constitutional amendment underscores the societal consensus on the importance of safeguarding reproductive rights. A recent survey revealed that 86% of French citizens endorse the move, signaling broad-based support across political affiliations.

As France prepares to make history with this landmark legislation, it underscores the country’s commitment to upholding fundamental human rights and ensuring equality for all its citizens. With this decisive step, France reaffirms its position as a global leader in the pursuit of progressive social policies.