France becomes the first country in the world to make abortion legal in its country.

France becomes the first country in the world to make abortion legal in its country

In a historic move, French lawmakers have successfully passed a bill to enshrine abortion rights within the nation's constitution, marking France as the first country to explicitly guarantee a woman's right to abortion in such a significant legal manner. This landmark decision was reached after an overwhelming vote of 780-72 in a joint session of parliament at the Palace of Versailles, illustrating substantial public and political support for the measure.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, addressing the Congress Hall, emphasized the moral obligation owed to women who have suffered due to illegal abortions in the past. The constitutional amendment is seen as a safeguard against potential future attempts to restrict abortion rights, especially in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, which had previously guaranteed abortion rights in the United States. This reversal had a profound effect on French lawmakers, prompting them to take decisive action to protect abortion rights within their own borders.

The approval of the bill was not just a political statement but also an act of remembrance for those women who faced hardships due to lack of access to safe and legal abortions. The moment was further commemorated by illuminating the Eiffel Tower with the words "my body my choice," signaling a powerful message of autonomy and rights over one's body.

The constitutional change was met with initial resistance, particularly from the upper house, but eventually passed, reflecting a changing tide in French political and social landscape. Despite legalizing abortion almost 50 years ago, this constitutional amendment ensures that the right to terminate a pregnancy is irrevocably protected, countering any potential future challenges to abortion rights.

The initiative, strongly supported by President Emmanuel Macron, is seen as a move to reinforce France's commitment to reproductive rights and to set a precedent for protecting such rights against rising conservative tides in Europe. The constitutional amendment not only strengthens existing laws but also sends a clear message to women within and beyond France's borders about the country's dedication to upholding a world of hope and rights for all women.

This constitutional amendment, celebrated on International Women's Day, marks a significant milestone in France's commitment to women's rights and sets an important precedent for other nations to follow in safeguarding reproductive rights as fundamental human rights.