The French Parliament Convened in a Historic Joint Session at the Palace of Versailles to Enshrine Abortion as a Constitutional Right

The French parliament convened in a historic joint session at the Palace of Versailles to enshrine abortion as a constitutional right.

Among the 925 eligible MPs and senators, 780 supported the amendment, granting women the "guaranteed freedom" to choose abortion. Thunderous applause filled the chamber upon the announcement of the result, while in central Paris, the Eiffel Tower glowed in celebration of the occasion.

Although the measure had already cleared the upper and lower houses, the Sénat and the Assemblée Nationale, final approval at Versailles was essential for constitutional change.

Addressing the gathering in the opulent Congress Hall of the palace's Midi wing, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasized the moral imperative: "We are haunted by the suffering and memory of so many women who were not free. We owe a moral debt to all the women who suffered in their flesh. Today, the present must respond to history."

Attal underscored the importance of preventing future oppression: "To enshrine this right in our constitution is to close the door on the tragedy of the past and its trail of suffering and pain. It will further prevent reactionaries from attacking women."

He urged vigilance: "Let’s not forget that the train of oppression can happen again. Let’s act to ensure that it doesn’t, that it never comes this day. I say to all women within our borders and beyond, that today, the era of a world of hope begins."

Mathilde Panot, an MP from the hard-left France Unbowed, who championed inscribing abortion rights in the constitution, characterized it as "a promise... for all women fighting everywhere in the world." She added, "Your fight is ours. This victory is yours."