France to enshrine abortion right in constitution

France is on the verge of making history by incoperating the right to abortion into its constitution, becoming the first country globally to do so. President Emmanuel Macron has called for a special parliamentary session at the Palace of Versailles, where lawmakers from both the upper and lower chambers will convene.

If the government’s motion receives a three-fifths majority vote, the 1958 constitution will be amended to guarantee women’s freedom to access abortion services. This amendment marks the 25th change to the founding document of the Fifth Republic and the first since 2008.

The move comes amidst concerns over the erosion of abortion rights, particularly following the rollback of federal protections in the United States. French supporters view this constitutional revision as a safeguard against potential regressive measures in France.

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Public opinion polls indicate overwhelming support, with approximately 85% of the French populace backing the reform. Despite initial concerns, opposition from right-wing factions in parliament has been minimal.

Critics, however, accuse President Macron of politicizing the constitution for electoral gain. While acknowledging the importance of the revision, they question its necessity and view it as a ploy to bolster Macron’s left-leaning image and silence opposition to abortion.

Macron’s political maneuvering is further complicated by his minority position in the National Assembly and recent government reshuffle leaning towards the right. This shift has created tensions within his Renaissance party, making the abortion amendment a unifying issue for left-leaning members.

By adopting what was originally a left-wing initiative, Macron aims to not only consolidate support within his party but also create a clear ideological divide ahead of the upcoming European elections. However, his strategy failed to provoke significant dissent from right-wing and far-right factions, as most parliamentarians from these groups ultimately supported the bill.

The primary contention surrounding the revision is not about the right to abortion per se, but rather the appropriateness of enshrining it in the constitution. Since 1975, abortion has been legal in France through legislative means, and the constitutional council has consistently upheld its legality.

Legal experts caution against the proliferation of “rights” in the constitution, fearing it could undermine the document’s purpose of providing a framework for governance. They argue that while symbolic, this amendment may set a precedent for future inclusion of various social issues in the constitution.

Supporters, on the other hand, emphasize the need to fortify abortion rights in the face of potential reactionary movements across Europe. They cite examples from countries like Malta, Hungary, and Poland, where abortion restrictions have sparked significant debates.

Ultimately, the incorporation of abortion rights into the French constitution is poised to reshape the country’s legal landscape and serve as a symbolic statement in defense of women’s reproductive rights.