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Writer's pictureGaelle F.

France Enshrines the Right of Abortion in its Constitution

On the whimsical night of March 4th, 2024, the Eiffel Tower sprinkled its lights across the Parisian sky, setting the stage for a different kind of celebration. As whispers of "Did France win the World Cup again?" floated through the air, the truth emerged: France had just made history by enshrining the right to abortion in its Constitution.


Au Trocadéro, des centaines de Parisiens se sont rassemblés pour célébrer l'inscription de l'IVG dans la Constitution. - Credit:Nathan Tacchi/Le Point

Cast your mind back to 1975, when the fearless French politician Simone Veil etched her name into the annals of history with a law that reshaped women's lives across the nation: the right to abort. It was a victory for women who dared to challenge the status quo, even when the winds of public opinion weren't in their favor. Fast forward to 2024, and the majority of male deputies stood shoulder to shoulder in support of this groundbreaking proposition.

Nearly half a century later, this right stands as an unshakable cornerstone of French society, symbolizing one of its fundamental freedoms. The decision garnered an overwhelming 86% approval from members across the political spectrum, with only a faint murmur of dissent from representatives of extreme right-wing parties (8%) and a sprinkle of abstentions (6%). With the minimum requirement comfortably surpassed, this momentous stride for women's rights was nothing short of a triumph.


Before the decisive vote, a survey illuminated the widespread support among the populace, with 80% voicing their endorsement for the enshrinement of "IVG" (Voluntary Pregnancy Interruption) in the Constitution. And as the verdict echoed through the halls of Congress, a chorus of jubilant shouts and tears of joy filled the air.


President Macron extended a warm invitation to every French citizen to join in the festivities on March 8th, International Women's Day, marking a jubilant celebration of progress, equality, and the indomitable spirit of France.




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