South Asian News Network

Despite conservative opposition, France’s Senate voted 267 in favor of a constitutional change granting abortion ‘freedom’ under the country’s constitution. The upper chamber stressed women’s rights, particularly access to abortion. President Emmanuel Macron supports women’s reproductive rights, and his political party, La Republique En Marche (LREM), promotes progressive social policies. Abortion has been allowed in this European country since 1974. In January, the National Assembly decisively approved abortion as a “guaranteed freedom.” Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti praised the legislation as a watershed moment, with France being the first country to defend women’s right to choose their own bodies.