Thelma Osatohanmwen
In a groundbreaking move, France has become the first country to constitutionally guarantee a woman’s right to abortion, following a historic joint session of parliament at the palace of Versailles on Monday.
NEWSTODAYNG gathered that Lawmakers approved the bill in a resounding 780-72 vote, prompting jubilant scenes of celebration across France as nearly the entire joint session stood in a long standing ovation to ensure that the measure passed.
The bill’s approval comes as a triumph for women’s rights activists and fulfills a promise made by President Emmanuel Macron, particularly in response to recent setbacks to abortion rights in the United States.
The amendment to Article 34 of the French Constitution specifies that a woman’s right to abortion is guaranteed, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s commitment to gender equality and reproductive rights.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal addressed the assembly, urging lawmakers to make France a global leader in women’s rights and honour the legacy of key feminist figure Simone Veil, who championed the decriminalization of abortion in 1975.
“We have a moral debt to women,” Attal declared, calling on parliament to seize the opportunity to change history and make Veil proud.
Both the National Assembly and the Senate had previously adopted the bill, with the Senate’s approval marking a crucial step towards its enactment. The measure must now receive a three-fifths majority in the joint session.
Notably, none of France’s major political parties questioned the right to abortion, underscoring broad support for the measure among the public.
A recent poll indicated over 80% support for abortion rights and enshrining them in the constitution.
Sarah Durocher, a leader in the Family Planning movement, hailed the vote as “a victory for feminists and a defeat for anti-choice activists,” emphasizing the increased protection afforded to women’s fundamental rights.
