French legislators made history on Monday by voting to enshrine access to abortion in the country’s Constitution, making France the first in the world to do so. The amendment, which passed with a vote of 780-72, declares abortion as a “guaranteed freedom” overseen by Parliament’s laws, ensuring that future governments cannot drastically modify current laws funding abortion for women up to 14 weeks into their pregnancies.
The decision to amend the Constitution was prompted by the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, sparking a successful campaign by a coalition of feminist activists and lawmakers from multiple parties. The move reflects the widespread support for abortion in France, with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasizing that women have the right to control their own bodies.
The amendment is seen as a significant milestone in the fight for women’s rights, with experts noting that it broadens the mold of France’s fundamental text, which was historically written by men for men. The decision has been praised by feminists both in France and internationally, with Senator Mélanie Vogel stating, “The French Republic will no longer remain democratic without the right to abortion.”
Despite the new amendment, French feminists acknowledge that the country remains male-dominated and that sexism persists. However, the issue of abortion in France is not as politically charged as in other countries, with the majority of French people supporting abortion as a basic public health service and a woman’s right.
The amendment’s passage marks a significant victory for women’s rights in France and sets a precedent for other countries to follow. The decision has been hailed as a historic moment in the ongoing fight for gender equality and reproductive rights.
