French lawmakers are on the verge of making history by constitutionally guaranteeing the right to abortion, a global first that enjoys massive public support.
President Emmanuel Macron’s pledge to enshrine abortion in the constitution gained momentum following the US Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn longstanding abortion rights.
If approved by a congress of both houses of parliament, set to convene in Versailles, France will become the sole country to explicitly protect abortion rights in its foundational law.
The journey towards this landmark decision has seen significant shifts, with initial resistance in the right-leaning Senate giving way to overwhelming support.
The bill, which sailed through the lower-house National Assembly and recently passed the Senate, is expected to easily garner the necessary supermajority during the joint session at the Palace of Versailles.
The impending constitutional amendment marks a stark departure from the past.
Speaking to AFP, Claudine Monteil, a signatory to the historic “Manifesto of the 343” advocating for abortion rights in 1971, reflected on the remarkable evolution: “We could never have imagined that the right to abortion would one day be written into the constitution.”
The US Supreme Court’s actions served as a wake-up call, prompting global reflection on women’s rights. Leah Hoctor, from the Center for Reproductive Rights, highlights France’s potential to set a new standard with its explicit constitutional provision.
While some nations vaguely allude to reproductive rights, France’s bold step signifies a clear commitment to safeguarding these rights.
A recent survey indicates overwhelming support among the French public, further bolstering the move.
Despite political divisions, with left-wing and centrist voices welcoming the change, pressure mounts on right-wing senators to align with public sentiment. Macron’s swift action underscores the significance of this moment, reminiscent of past constitutional reforms aimed at enhancing democratic values.
