Right to Abortion Incorporated into the French Constitution

The French President, Emmanuel Macron, recently expressed great pride and a universal message for his country. In a heartfelt post, he shared his joy over France’s groundbreaking constitutional amendment. He stated, “France has officially become the first country in the world to overtly enshrine the right to abortion and voluntary termination of pregnancy in its Constitution“. This monumental decision required the support of three fifths of parliamentarians, equivalent to 512 votes. However, the assembly, which was gathered in Versailles, exceeded expectations with 780 votes in favor and only 72 against.

Senator Mélanie Vogel, a staunch supporter of the bill, remarked on the significance of the day. She stated, “March 4, 2024 is now etched in the grand history of human rights and women’s rights as a historical turning point”. This sentiment was echoed by Parliamentarian Mathilde Panot, who presented the bill to the National Assembly. She emphasized the international impact of the decision, saying it was a promise to all women fighting for control over their own bodies everywhere, from Argentina to the United States, from Andorra to Italy, and from Hungary to Poland. “ This vote today tells them: your fight is ours, this victory is yours,” she said.

The groundbreaking decision in France gained significant attention across the globe, particularly in the United States. Activists and politicians publicly acknowledged France’s move as a response to recent events in the US. They specifically highlighted the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had previously guaranteed the right to abortion. They noted that the French decision underscored the fact that this right does not have constitutional status in the US.