By NewsBlogger France has made history by enshrining abortion rights in its constitution, marking a significant milestone in reproductive rights history and a victory for women’s rights.
At a glance
- France is the first country to enshrine abortion rights in its constitution.
- The amendment passed with 780 votes in favor and 72 against.
- Abortion is legal in France up to the 14th week of pregnancy.
- The amendment is a response to the rollback of abortion protections in the United States.
- The amendment is designed to make it more challenging for a new government to ban abortion or change health insurance coverage related to it.
The details
France has made history by becoming the first country to enshrine abortion rights in its constitution.
The amendment, which passed with an overwhelming 780 votes in favor and 72 against, refers to abortion as a “guaranteed freedom.” A symbolic “sealing ceremony” for the law is set to occur on International Women’s Day, with thousands of Parisians gathering to watch the proceedings live.
This constitutional amendment marks a significant milestone in France’s reproductive rights history, with abortion being decriminalized in the country back in 1975. Currently, abortion is legal in France up to the 14th week of pregnancy.
The amendment explicitly codifies in the constitution that abortion is a protected right, making France the first country to do so.
It is crucial to note that this amendment won’t change any laws immediately but is seen as a response to the rollback of abortion protections in the United States.
It is hailed as a victory for women’s rights and a historic turning point for human rights globally.
In contrast to the U.S., where the Constitution is harder to amend, France’s amendment process is relatively more straightforward.
While the U.S. has seen six states approving abortion-related constitutional amendments since the end of Roe v.
Wade, France’s Parliament, would need to pass legislation to alter abortion laws.
The amendment is designed to make it more challenging for a new government to ban abortion or change health insurance coverage related to it.
However, critics point out that the word “guarantee” in the amendment is somewhat vague and undefined.
It is important to highlight that this constitutional safeguard does not guarantee abortion rights in France for eternity.
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has dismissed the historic nature of the vote, signaling potential political opposition to the amendment.
Nonetheless, the overwhelming support for the constitutional change reflects a significant step forward for reproductive rights and women’s autonomy in France.
