France is poised to elevate abortion to a constitutional right during a joint session of parliament next week, following the senate’s favorable vote on Wednesday night.
Enshrining Women’s Freedom in France
The nation aims to enshrine in its constitution the “guaranteed freedom” for women to make choices regarding abortion, with government officials, lawmakers, and senators stressing the necessity for full constitutional protection amid global threats to abortion rights, notably observed in the US and various European countries.
Upholding Abortion Rights
Following the US Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn a longstanding abortion ruling, French senators and lawmakers underscored the vulnerability of abortion rights in Europe, pointing to nations like Hungary, Poland, Italy, and Spain.
Leadership in Women’s Rights
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal declared after an extensive senate debate on Wednesday, “France stands at the forefront of progress when women’s rights are under attack worldwide.”
Historic Significance
Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti hailed the historic significance of the vote, emphasizing France’s commitment to women’s freedom.
Celebrating Feminist Triumph in France
Green Senator Mélanie Vogel hailed the constitutional change as a historic feminist triumph.
Communist Senator Ian Brossat hailed the impending change as a victory for women globally.
Parliamentary Approval Expected
The amendment to the French constitution is expected to secure the necessary three-fifths majority during Monday’s joint session of parliament, traditionally held at the Palace of Versailles.
President Emmanuel Macron vowed to make women’s freedom to choose abortion “irreversible.”
Incorporating the right to abortion into the constitution is viewed as a safeguard for the law that decriminalized abortion in France in 1975.
Warning Against Threats and Escalating Anti-abortion Movements
Socialist Senator Laurence Rossignol warned of threats to women’s rights from far-right and ultra-conservative factions gaining ground in public and political spheres.
Centrist Senator Dominique Vérien highlighted the escalating threat of anti-abortion movements in France, citing attacks on family planning centers, dissemination of anti-abortion propaganda, and problematic media coverage.
Legislative Response to Women’s Needs
In 2022, France extended its legal limit for abortion from 12 to 14 weeks, addressing concerns about women traveling abroad for terminations.
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