French Senate backs constitutional right to abortion

In a historic decision, the French Senate has approved a measure that would enshrine the right to abortion in the country’s constitution. The vote, which passed by a narrow margin, has been hailed as a victory for women’s rights activists and a significant step forward in the fight for reproductive freedom.

The measure, which was supported by President Emmanuel Macron’s government, would add language to the French constitution affirming the right to “choose whether or not to terminate a pregnancy.” This would make France one of the few countries in the world to explicitly guarantee the right to abortion in its foundational legal document.

The vote comes at a time when abortion rights are under increasing attack in many parts of the world, including in the United States where several states have passed restrictive laws aimed at overturning the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade. The French Senate’s decision is seen as a strong statement of support for women’s autonomy and reproductive rights.

While the measure still needs to be approved by the French National Assembly and undergo a referendum, activists are hopeful that it will ultimately become law. If successful, France will join a small but growing number of countries that have enshrined the right to abortion in their constitutions, a crucial step towards ensuring that women have control over their own bodies and futures.