French Parliament Constitutionally Guarantees Abortion Rights

France's parliament has solidified abortion rights within its constitution following a decisive vote at the Palace of Versailles.

A substantial majority of 780 out of 925 deputies and senators voted to safeguard women's abortion choices, a historic move celebrated with the illumination of the Eiffel Tower.

The constitutional amendment culminates previous approvals by the Senate and National Assembly, ensuring abortion rights, initially decriminalized in 1975, are now constitutionally protected.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, speaking at the grand Congress Hall, expressed the necessity of the amendment for addressing historical tragedies and preventing future oppression against women. The amendment fulfills President Emmanuel Macron's commitment to make women’s abortion choices inviolable.

The constitutional change was cemented in France's Fifth Republic for the first time since 2008. The vote followed intense national and international discourse, notably after the US Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade. France's action contrasts with rising abortion restrictions elsewhere, securing a woman’s right to decide her future.

At a ceremony on International Women’s Day, the amendment will be officially completed. This represents France's latest constitutional alteration since 1958, following intense political debates and despite opposition from some quarters.