French Lawmakers Declare Abortion a Constitutional Right in Historic Vote
French women saw a historical victory last week after the amendment of the Constitution to favour bodily autonomy. Although abortion in France was legalised in 1975, its declaration in the Constitution has further ratified the act, recognising the freedom of women to make their own choices about their body. Being only the 21st change made to the Constitution since 1958, this act is certainly a cause for celebration and reflection.
Article 34 of the French Constitution has integrated that "the law determines the conditions in which a woman has the guaranteed freedom to have recourse to an abortion". [1] As French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal rightly put it, “today, the era of a world of hope begins.” [2] With 780 MPs out of 925 supporting the amendment of the Constitution, an outcry of victorious relief struck the French nation as France coined the name as one of the first countries in the world to embed abortion into its official Constitution. The President, Emmanuel Macron, also celebrated as he stated that this amendment was a crucial move towards "French pride". [3]
The push on the Act was influenced by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 2022 to reverse the Roe v. Wade ruling that recognised women’s right to abortion in the Constitution. Laura Slimani from the “Fondation des Femmes”. rights group stated that the “right (to abortion) has retreated in the United States. And so nothing authorised us to think that France was exempt from this risk”, declaring the fears that had been running through everyone’s minds. [4] With a wide group of activists cheering and applauding in Central Paris this week, it is safe to say that the rights organisations have historically won a battle against the suppression of women’s autonomy. Furthermore, 85% of the population also openly supported the revision of the Constitution to support women’s pregnancy, further conveying the sentiment in the country.
Although news outlets have reported much celebration, there is also a small group within France who harbour criticism. Anti-abortion campaigners saw the amendment as a major setback in French politics. For example, Pascale Moriniere, the president of the Association of Catholic Families, stated that “It's a defeat for women, … and, of course, for all the children who cannot see the day." [5] President Macron also faced criticism from right wing politicians such as Marine Le Pen, who accused Macron of using the amendment as a way of gaining widespread support and using it to score political points. Despite the exhibition of controversy, Macron has taken a further step and declared that he wishes to see abortion rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, following International Women’s Day. The alteration of the EU Charter would be difficult, but Macron’s declaration of it in a ceremony held in Paris conveys his dedication to Women’s Rights.
With the Eiffel Tower being lit up with ‘My Body My Choice’ and the enthusiasm from France’s leaders, we can definitely see this revision as one more step towards women’s liberation.
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