France officially incorporated the guaranteed right to abortion into its constitution on Friday, making a bold declaration in support of women’s rights on International Women’s Day. Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti utilized a 19th-century printing press to finalize the amendment in a special public ceremony at the cobblestoned Place Vendome. The applause echoed through the square as France became the first country to explicitly ensure abortion rights in its national charter.
The overwhelmingly approved measure by French lawmakers earlier in the week reached a significant milestone during Friday’s ceremony, signifying its entry into force. The constitutional amendment, passed by a resounding 780-72 vote on Monday, marks a groundbreaking moment for women’s reproductive rights.
Unlike the divisive nature of the abortion debate in the United States, the legality of abortion is widely accepted in nearly all of Europe, with strong support in France, where it is viewed more as a matter of public health than politics. Notably, the constitutional amendment received backing from many far-right lawmakers.
The ceremony in Paris was a focal point on a day dedicated to advancing women’s rights globally, with marches, protests, and conferences taking place from Jakarta, Indonesia, to Mexico City and beyond.
The French decision has resonated with women’s rights advocates worldwide, particularly in regions where access to birth control or maternal healthcare is challenging. French President Emmanuel Macron attributed the constitutional amendment to the 2022 US Supreme Court ruling that rolled back longstanding abortion rights, positioning France at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard women’s reproductive freedoms.
