French Senate Votes To Make Abortion A Constitutional "Freedom"
The French Senate has approved a measure to embed abortion rights in the constitution, with 267 votes for and 50 against.
This move follows President Macron's promise to constitutionalize the right to abortion, a legal practice since 1974.
This action is a response to the US Supreme Court's 2022 decision allowing states to restrict or prohibit abortion. The lower-house National Assembly had previously voted to define abortion as a constitutionally guaranteed freedom.
A final vote by both chambers will take place at a Congress session at Versailles. Justice Minister Dupond-Moretti has hailed this as a potential historic moment for women's rights.
Some conservatives opposed the measure, leading to a compromise term of "guaranteed freedom." If enacted, France would be the first nation to constitutionally protect abortion rights.
Despite some private concerns among right-wing senators, most seem poised to back the change amidst widespread public support, with an IFOP poll indicating 86% approval from the French public.
This action is a response to the US Supreme Court's 2022 decision allowing states to restrict or prohibit abortion. The lower-house National Assembly had previously voted to define abortion as a constitutionally guaranteed freedom.
A final vote by both chambers will take place at a Congress session at Versailles. Justice Minister Dupond-Moretti has hailed this as a potential historic moment for women's rights.
Some conservatives opposed the measure, leading to a compromise term of "guaranteed freedom." If enacted, France would be the first nation to constitutionally protect abortion rights.
Despite some private concerns among right-wing senators, most seem poised to back the change amidst widespread public support, with an IFOP poll indicating 86% approval from the French public.
