Landmark Amendment Secured Through Overwhelming Support
France is on the brink of becoming the first country to constitutionally guarantee a woman’s right to abortion, a historic move backed by substantial public approval. The amendment to Article 34 of the constitution aims to explicitly protect “a woman’s guaranteed freedom to have recourse to an abortion.”
The amendment is a response to growing concerns following actions in the U.S. that threatened abortion rights. French President Emmanuel Macron reassured the nation that France would safeguard women’s rights to abortion in the face of any attempts to restrict access.
The bill already received significant backing in both the National Assembly and the Senate, with more than 80% of the French population supporting the constitutional change. The cross-party support for the amendment, even from historically opposed groups, underscores the unity behind this pivotal decision.
Significant Progress Ahead of International Women’s Day
The timing of this historic amendment, just days before International Women’s Day, adds further significance to the moment. The opening of the Congress by the first female president of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, set the stage for a session dedicated to advancing women’s rights.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasized the moral duty to women and hailed passing the amendment as a “victory for women’s rights.” The sentiment was echoed by Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti, who labeled the vote as “historic” and a testament to the freedom of women in France.
Controversy and Opposition
Despite widespread support within the country, the move has not been without its detractors. The country’s strong Catholic tradition has sparked opposition, with calls for a day of “fasting and prayer” by Catholic associations and statements from religious institutions like the Vatican expressing disapproval.
In a nation proud of its secular values, the debate over enshrining abortion rights in the constitution has sparked a broader discussion on the intersection of religious beliefs and individual freedoms. The amendment represents a milestone in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality and reproductive rights.