France’s senate passes bill to protect women’s right to abortion

Senate in France approves bill enshrining women’s abortion rights in the constitution, a move supported by President Macron

France’s Senate passed a bill on Wednesday aimed at enshrining a woman’s right to abortion in the country’s constitution, marking a significant step forward for legislation proposed by President Emmanuel Macron in response to recent changes in abortion rights in the U.S.

The Senate’s decision follows the overwhelming approval of the proposal by the lower house, the National Assembly, in January. The next step for the measure is a joint session of parliament, where it is expected to be approved by a three-fifths majority next week.

President Macron stated after the Senate vote that his government is dedicated to “ensuring the irreversibility of women’s right to abortion by embedding it in the constitution.” He announced plans to convene the joint session of parliament for a final vote on Monday.

The proposed amendment to Article 34 of the constitution aims to specify that “the law establishes the conditions under which women have the freedom to seek an abortion, a right that is guaranteed.”

The Senate approved the bill with 267 votes in favor and 50 against. Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti described the vote as “historic,” noting that “the Senate has made significant strides in women’s rights.”

None of the major political parties represented in parliament have challenged the right to abortion, which was decriminalized in France in 1975. Given the approval from both houses of parliament, Monday’s joint session at the Palace of Versailles is expected to be largely ceremonial.

Source: Newsroom

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