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In a landmark decision, France has officially recognized abortion as a constitutional right, setting a historic precedent as the first country in the world to do so. The move comes as a response to recent efforts to restrict abortion access in other parts of the world, notably in the United States.
The bill, which was adopted by France’s Senate after a vote on February 28, has now been overwhelmingly approved in a 780-72 vote following a joint session of parliament on Monday. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal addressed MPs and senators, underlining the significance of this momentous decision, stating, “We’re sending a message to all women: your body belongs to you, and no one can decide for you.”
Across France, jubilant scenes erupted as women’s rights activists celebrated this long-awaited measure. President Emmanuel Macron had committed to this constitutional change following concerns over the rollback of abortion rights in the United States. In 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned a 50-year-old ruling that had previously guaranteed abortion rights.
The preamble to the French legislation acknowledges the global context, recognizing that threats to abortion rights extend beyond the borders of the United States. It highlights the presence of movements seeking to impede women’s reproductive freedom across Europe and other regions. By enshrining abortion rights in the constitution, France aims to protect and empower women’s reproductive autonomy.
Crucially, none of France’s major political parties represented in parliament have contested the right to abortion. Abortion was decriminalized in the country in 1975, and this constitutional revision solidified its status as a fundamental right.
President Macron reiterated his government’s dedication to women’s reproductive rights, affirming last week that France seeks to make abortion irreversible by embedding it in the constitution. This move reaffirms France’s commitment to gender equality and women’s rights, marking a significant milestone in the global fight for reproductive justice.
