France Embeds Abortion Rights in Constitution
French lawmakers overwhelmingly endorsed a bill on Monday to embed abortion rights in France’s constitution, establishing the nation as the sole country to explicitly safeguard a woman’s prerogative to freely terminate a pregnancy.
President Macron’s Vision
This landmark initiative, spearheaded by President Emmanuel Macron, aims to fortify abortion rights amidst concerns of regressions witnessed in the United States in recent times. The approval, amid a special joint parliamentary session, elicited prolonged applause from legislators.
The measure received resounding support with a 780-72 vote at the Palace of Versailles. Abortion has garnered broad consensus in France across diverse political affiliations and has been legal since 1975.
Celebrations Across France
Female lawmakers exuded joy with broad smiles and cheers in the chamber, echoing jubilant scenes of celebration across France. This move, promised by Macron post the Dobbs ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022, marks a significant milestone for women’s rights activists.
Amendment to French Constitution
Both chambers of parliament—the National Assembly and the Senate—had previously ratified a bill to amend Article 34 of the French Constitution. This amendment emphasizes that “the law dictates the terms under which women exercise their freedom to seek abortion, which is safeguarded.”
France’s approach is perceived as more progressive in ensuring abortion rights compared to former Yugoslavia, where the constitution merely affirmed that “a person is free to decide on having children.”
Prime Minister’s Call
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, in his address to the 925 assembled lawmakers, urged them to position France as a vanguard in women’s rights, echoing the sentiments of indebtedness to women and paying homage to Simone Veil, a pivotal figure in championing abortion decriminalization in 1975.
With overwhelming support from major political parties, including Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party and the conservative Republicans, the bill’s passage underscores a unified stance on abortion rights.
Public Sentiment
Public sentiment in favor of abortion rights remains robust, with over 80% of French citizens supporting it, as evidenced by recent polls. The inclusion of abortion rights in the constitution elevates its protection, assuring present and future generations of women the right to abortion in France.
The backdrop of recent events, notably the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a long-standing ruling protecting abortion rights, underscores the urgency of enshrining these rights constitutionally.
However, amidst celebration, vigilance remains imperative. As far-right parties gain traction across Europe, the specter of erosion of women’s rights looms. The constitutional safeguarding of abortion rights in France aims to mitigate such threats, but sustained advocacy and vigilance are indispensable to uphold these hard-won rights.
Constitutional Amendment
Incorporating abortion into the French Constitution is a pivotal, albeit rare, process. With only 17 amendments since its enactment in 1958, each amendment is a significant marker of societal evolution and values.
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