France Historic Decision: Constitutional Right to Abortion Enshrined in Landmark Vote
Paris, March 4, 2024 – In an unprecedented move, France has become the first nation to embed a woman’s right to an abortion in its constitution. In a historic session on Monday, lawmakers from both houses of the French parliament overwhelmingly passed the groundbreaking amendment with a resounding 780-72 vote, prompting a prolonged standing ovation.
The decision comes amid global concerns, particularly fueled by the rollback of abortion rights in the United States two years ago with the overturning of Roe v. Wade. French President Emmanuel Macron, ensuring France’s commitment to safeguarding women’s reproductive rights, pledged that any attempts to restrict access in the future would be met with constitutional protection.
The amendment to Article 34 explicitly guarantees “a woman’s guaranteed freedom to have recourse to an abortion.” President Macron announced that the formal inscription of the amendment into the constitution would take place on Friday, March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day. He hailed the vote as a matter of “French pride” and a “universal message,” emphasizing the significance of the occasion.
The move enjoys overwhelming support in the country, with numerous polls indicating that more than 80% of the French population approves of amending the constitution to solidify this right. Notably, the support spans across political lines, with even far-right parliamentarians, traditionally opposed to expanding abortion rights, voting in favor of the reform.
Abortion was legalized in France in 1974, and the recent extension of the legal limit to 14 weeks in 2022 aimed to address concerns that French women were often compelled to seek the procedure abroad.
In a historic moment ahead of International Women’s Day, the Congress was opened by a woman for the first time. YaĆ«l Braun-Pivet, the president of the National Assembly, expressed pride in paying tribute to the women who have tirelessly fought for gender equality.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasized the moral debt owed to women, stating that the passage of the amendment would mark “a victory for women’s rights.” He added, “When women’s rights are attacked in the world, France rises and places itself at the forefront of progress.”
Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti characterized the vote as “an historic moment,” highlighting the fundamental freedom of women in the country.
Despite France’s secular identity, a strong Catholic tradition exists, prompting the country’s Conference of Bishops to call for a day of “fasting and prayer” in response to the pending legislation. The Vatican, expressing opposition last month, reiterated its stance through the Pontifical Academy for Life, asserting that in the era of universal human rights, there can be no ‘right’ to take a human life.