Access to abortion: a constitutional right
On March 4, 2024, French lawmakers gathered in Congress, in Versailles Palace, and voted by an overwhelming 780-72 vote to enshrine access to abortion in the constitution, giving women a guaranteed freedom to voluntarily terminate a pregnancy. With globally 6 in 10 unintended pregnancies for women aged 15–49 years ending in abortion, access to abortion is a crucial health service for women but remains inaccessible for many women. France is the first country to guarantee access to an abortion in their constitution.