Vantage | Why France's move to make abortion rights permanent is a big deal

President Emmanuel Macron of France has recently made a bold promise that does not pertain to mediating in a war but, rather, centres around France’s abortion rights. Macron aims to enshrine these rights in the French constitution by the end of the next year. This commitment comes in response to a concerning trend of dwindling abortion rights worldwide with nations increasingly restricting women’s autonomy over their own bodies.

Historical context In 1920, shortly after the end of the First World War in Europe, France was grappling with a population decline and sought to boost its birth rate. In response, the French government banned abortion leading to a series of challenges and protests for women in the country. However, it was not until 1975 that France decriminalised abortion setting the stage for several laws designed to improve the conditions for women seeking abortions. Current abortion rights in France France’s current abortion laws protect women’s anonymity, guarantee their health and have the cost covered by the French social security system. In 2022, approximately 2,34,000 abortions were performed in France highlighting the existence of abortion rights in the country. Macron’s initiative Macron government’s intends to make France’s abortion rights irreversible by enshrining them in the constitution. A draft text is set to be submitted to the French top court with the goal of constitutionalising abortion rights by the end of 2024. However, amending the French constitution is a complex process, which can be achieved through a referendum or approval by at least three-fifths of the parliament. The resolution in favour of this move was supported by the National Assembly in November and was passed in the Senate in February. Global abortion rights landscape France’s initiative does not occur in isolation as the global landscape for abortion rights remains a complex and evolving issue. While some countries are progressively legalising abortion, others, like the United States, are rolling back access. The reversal of the historic Roe vs Wade decision in the United States has particularly alarmed France. A recent survey in France reveals that 89 per cent of women support the constitutional enshrinement of abortion rights. Challenges to global abortion rights Abortion is still prohibited in 15 countries worldwide, and in some places, it is only allowed in cases of rape or medical malformation. Some countries have implemented oppressive laws such as the heartbeat law, which prohibits abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detected. Currently, only 35 per cent of women of reproductive age live in countries where they can access safe abortion services, leaving them with unsafe alternatives, often referred to as backstreet abortions. This results in a significant number of deaths, with 39,000 women succumbing to the consequences of unsafe abortions annually, a figure likely underreported. Significance of Macron’s pledge At a time when women’s bodies have become a battleground for political and moral debates, France’s move to enshrine abortion rights in the constitution represents a significant step forward. This constitutional protection ensures the permanence of these rights, regardless of the government in power, offering a sense of security for women in the country. France aims to make this commitment official by next year, providing a glimmer of hope for women who have been fighting for reproductive autonomy. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.