France Makes History: Abortion Rights Enshrined in Constitution

France took a historic step by becoming the first country in the world to enshrine abortion rights in its constitution. This means that the right to have an abortion is now considered a fundamental human right in France. However, this clause offers the strongest legal protection possible.

In a landmark decision, France has become the first country in the world to enshrine abortion rights directly into its constitution. French lawmakers overwhelmingly voted 780-72 in favor of amending the constitution to guarantee a woman’s right to an abortion. This move marks a significant victory for women’s rights advocates and cements France’s position as a global leader in reproductive healthcare access.

The amendment adds a new clause to Article 34 of the French Constitution. It explicitly stating that “an individual has a guaranteed freedom to abortion“. This elevates abortion rights to the highest legal status in France, offering them the strongest possible protection. Previously, abortion access was enshrined in French law, but not the constitution itself.

The decision comes after a long history of supporting abortion rights in France, with abortion becoming legal in 1975 and access expanding over time. This move was also seen as a response to recent restrictions on abortion access in other countries.

Groundbreaking Descision

French President Emmanuel Macron, who had previously promised to enshrine abortion rights in the constitution. He hailed the vote as a “historic step for women’s freedoms.” Prime Minister Gabriel Attal echoed this sentiment, calling it a “moral debt to women”. He also calls it a chance for France to “set an example in defense of women’s rights for countries around the world.”

The decision was met with jubilation by women’s rights groups in France. Moreover, celebrations erupted across the country, with activists praising the move as a crucial step towards bodily autonomy and reproductive justice.

However, not all reactions were positive. Critics, including anti-abortion groups and far-right leaders like Marine Le Pen, criticized the move. Le Pen accused Macron of using the legislation for political gain, asserting that there was no real risk to abortion rights in France.

Despite the criticism, the vote reflects a significant victory for women’s rights advocates. France’s decision to embed abortion rights in its Constitution reaffirms its commitment to gender equality and reproductive freedom.