France is now the first nation in the world whose constitution guarantees the right to an abortion. The country’s 1958 constitution was amended by a vote of parliamentarians, securing women’s “guaranteed freedom” to abort.
Standing ovations broke out in the Versailles parliament upon the announcement of the resounding 780-72 vote. The action was hailed as “French pride” by President Emmanuel Macron who said it delivered a “universal message”.
Nonetheless, the Vatican and anti-abortion organisations have sharply denounced the move.
Although abortion is legal in France since 1975, surveys indicate that about 85% of respondents are in favour of changing the constitution to safeguard the right to terminate a pregnancy.
Furthermore, even while the constitutions of a number of other nations provide the reproductive rights – France is the first country to declare up front that access to abortions will be provided. It becomes the first since 2008 and the 25th amendment to the current French Constitution.
“My Body My Choice” was displayed on the Eiffel Tower in Paris as a symbol of happiness after the vote.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal warned parliament that the right to an abortion was still “in danger” and “at the mercy of decision makers” before to the vote.
