French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to enshrine abortion rights in the country’s constitution. Macron said that he would make the change “because women’s rights are human rights.” If it is passed, France would become the first European country to enshrine abortion rights in its constitution.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to cement a woman’s right to choose abortion in the country’s constitution by next year. This commitment comes in response to recent abortion restrictions in other nations. Propelling France towards an unconditional guarantee of abortion rights.
Macron announced on Sunday that his government will present a draft text to France’s highest administrative court in the upcoming week. Aiming to make abortion rights a constitutional guarantee by the end of next year. However, he affirmed, ‘In 2024, the right of women to choose abortion will become irreversible.’
Macron said that he would make the change “because women’s rights are human rights.” He also said that he wanted to “send a strong message to the world that France is a country where women’s rights are protected.”
Abortion was legalized in France in 1975. Subsequent laws have aimed to improve conditions for abortions. Moreover, to safeguard the health and anonymity of women, as well as easing the financial burden of the procedure.
An opinion poll last year indicated that 89% of respondents wanted stronger protection for abortion rights under the Constitution.
Minister for Gender Equality, Bérangère Couillard, expressed. ‘This is a victory for all women and a powerful message to other countries where our rights are under threat.’
Government data shows that 234,000 abortions were performed in France last year.
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Milestone Or Controversy?
Various political parties began advocating for abortion rights to be preserved in the Constitution after the US Supreme Court’s decision in June 2022 to overturn the Roe v Wade ruling of 1973. Which recognized a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion nationwide.
In response to these developments, it is reported that a network of organizations is working to influence abortion policy across Europe. Moreover, in countries like Hungary and Poland, restrictions on abortion have tightened, making access to safe procedures more challenging.
Macron’s proposal would need to be approved by both houses of parliament. However, if it is passed, France would become the first European country to enshrine abortion rights in its constitution.
