France made history today by becoming the first country to officially embed the right to abortion in its constitution. In a resounding vote of 780-72, parliamentarians demonstrated overwhelming support for women’s “guaranteed freedom” to choose abortion. The announcement of the result in the parliament in Versailles was met with a standing ovation.
President Emmanuel Macron hailed the move as a moment of “French pride” that sends a “universal message.” Despite widespread public support—polls indicate around 85% of the population favored amending the constitution to safeguard the right to abortion—criticism from anti-abortion groups and the Vatican ensued.
Abortion has been legal in France since 1975, but the explicit inclusion of this right in the constitution marks a significant milestone. The amendment becomes the 25th alteration to modern France’s founding document and the first since 2008.
The decision was celebrated across the country, with the Eiffel Tower in Paris illuminated in honor of the occasion, bearing the message: “My Body My Choice.” Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasized the importance of protecting the right to abortion, stating, “We’re sending a message to all women: your body belongs to you and no one can decide for you.”
While some critics accused President Macron of using the constitution for political gain, proponents argue that the revision is crucial to solidifying women’s rights. France has a history of updating its abortion laws to ensure broader access, with amendments made nine times since 1975.
The recent decision was partly influenced by developments in the United States, where the Supreme Court’s decision in 2022 allowed individual states to restrict abortion access, prompting concerns about the erosion of reproductive rights.
Many activists and organizations welcomed the constitutional change as a necessary step to safeguard women’s autonomy. Laura Slimani from the Fondation des Femmes rights group expressed relief, saying, “This right (to abortion) has retreated in the United States. And so nothing authorized us to think that France was exempt from this risk.”
However, opposition to the amendment remains, particularly from religious institutions like the Vatican. Reiterating its stance against abortion, the Vatican issued a statement emphasizing the sanctity of life and urging governments and religious traditions to prioritize its protection.