France has become the first country to include abortion in its constitution

«What a victory! What happiness! What pride!» These are the memorable words of Laurence Rossignol, former Minister for Women's Rights under Hollande, celebrating France's entry into history as the first country to enshrine the right to abortion in its constitution. Yesterday, 925 deputies and senators were convened at Versailles by the president to inscribe this fundamental freedom into law. The victory was overwhelming, with an impressive majority of 780 votes in favor. From the New York Times to Vanguardia, numerous international newspapers chose to highlight this historic event, emerging as a beacon of hope in a global context marked by reactionary and conservative trends, characterized by an increasing challenge to women's rights. France has responded categorically, expressing not only a response to contemporary threats but also a determined will to preserve historical advances and position itself as a role model.

In 2022, international attention focused on restrictive legislative changes in the United States. The limitation of abortion access, prohibited beyond six weeks of pregnancy, and its criminalization in some states had triggered a global outcry. Shared concerns spread regarding the potential impact on women's rights and reproductive health. More recently, France itself witnessed a wave of indignation when CNews published a pseudo-investigation claiming that abortion is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. This blatant manipulation of data for ideological purposes exacerbated tensions and contributed to the stigmatization of this fundamental right.

According to the Prime Minister, this vote is also a duty of remembrance: «These women, who died for wanting to be free, haunt us. Yes, the needles of the angel-makers haunt us. Yes, we are haunted by the suffering and memory of these women who suffered from not being able to be free. Today, we can change the course of history.» This includes pioneers of this measure. Indeed, in 1971, 343 women, led by Simone de Beauvoir, published a manifesto in Le Nouvel Observateur, declaring to have undergone abortion despite its illegality. This bold action, symbolized by the slogan "We have aborted, 343 sluts," marked the beginning of an unprecedented mobilization for the legalization of abortion. The years that followed were marked by intense political and social debates. In 1975, Simone Veil, then Minister of Health, presented to the National Assembly the bill legalizing abortion. Debates were passionate, with fierce opponents, but ultimately, the law was adopted. The Veil law, as it is commonly called, marked a historic turning point in recognizing women's right to control their bodies. However, the struggle did not end there; legal and social challenges persisted, but France maintained its commitment to the right to abortion.

The historic decision to inscribe voluntary termination of pregnancy in the French Constitution is also the result of collective mobilization and a coalition among all political parties. It seems that, for the occasion, parties set aside their differences, a rare example of political convergence in our country. The decision-makers understood that the vulnerability of women's reproductive rights required a robust shield against obscurantism. «You have definitely lost. We will never go back on the right to abortion, never!» retorted Senator Mélanie Vogel to all "anti-choice" individuals.In Paris, the Trocadéro Square was invaded by hundreds of demonstrators, with a giant screen broadcasting the Congress vote live. The announcement of the measure's adoption triggered an explosion of joy, marked by songs, dances, and slogans. Purple smoke bombs illuminated the Parisian sky, symbolizing the victory of reproductive rights. On the Eiffel Tower, feminist slogans like #MyBodyMyChoice and #AbortionConstitution were projected in multiple languages, attesting to international solidarity around the cause of women's rights. Social media also played a major role in celebrating this victory, with many feminist pages and public figures expressing their support and celebrating this historic moment. Nevertheless, the battle is far from over. It is imperative to simplify access to this right for everyone and destigmatize it. Despite progress, a certain omertà persists, whether within the medical community or in daily life, emphasizing the need to continue efforts to break taboos.