France becomes the world’s 1st country to make abortion a constitutional right

Digital Desk: In a groundbreaking decision, France has become the world's first country to constitutionally guarantee the right to abortion, a move met with celebration from women's rights advocates and opposition from anti-abortion groups. The decision, backed by an overwhelming majority of 780 votes against 72 in a special joint session of the French parliament, marks a significant step in securing reproductive rights.

The backdrop of the Versailles Palace set the stage for the momentous occasion, where MPs and senators united to pass the amendment to Article 34 of the French constitution. The spectacle was accompanied by cheers and applause from abortion rights activists in central Paris, with the Eiffel Tower adorned with the message "MyBodyMyChoice" in a powerful display of support.

The decision comes in response to the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which overturned the historic Roe v. Wade decision, prompting activists to urge France to explicitly safeguard the right to abortion in its fundamental law. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasized the importance of the move, stating, "We're sending a message to all women: your body belongs to you, and no one can decide for you."

France's historical commitment to reproductive rights dates back to a 1974 law that granted women legal access to abortion, a law that faced criticism at the time. Despite this, recent global developments, particularly in the United States, fueled the urgency to strengthen these rights.

Monday's vote crystallized in the French constitution the guarantee that "the law determines the conditions in which a woman has the guaranteed freedom to have recourse to an abortion." President Emmanuel Macron proposed this amendment as a preemptive measure to prevent any regression in abortion rights, echoing concerns arising from the U.S. decision.

The long-standing ovation from lawmakers and the support across major political parties underscored the widespread commitment to protecting women's reproductive rights in France. The move aims not only to secure existing rights but to make it more challenging for future attempts to undermine them.

However, the road to constitutional change in France is intricate, requiring approval from both chambers of parliament and either a referendum or a three-fifths majority in a joint session. While the amendment is a robust defense against challenges, legal experts like Mathilde Philip-Gay caution that a well-crafted political strategy could still pose a threat in the long run.

Despite the resounding support, criticism has emerged, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen accusing Macron of exploiting the issue for political gain. Le Pen, while voting in favor, downplayed the historical significance, asserting that the right to abortion was not at risk.

Anti-abortion campaigners, notably the president of the Association of Catholic Families, Pascale Moriniere, expressed disappointment, framing the decision as a defeat for both their cause and, controversially, women. The polarized opinions reflect the broader societal divide on this issue.

In a broader context, the French decision resonates internationally, especially in the face of restrictive abortion laws elsewhere, such as the controversial changes in Poland in 2020. The French move stands as a beacon of progress, emphasizing the global importance of securing and upholding reproductive rights in an era where such rights face renewed challenges.