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[Constitutional politics] France Codifies abortion rights in their constitution.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/04/france-to-hold-final-vote-on-enshrining-abortion-as-a-constitutional-right
[quote][c=#000000]The French parliament has enshrined abortion as a constitutional right at a historic joint session at the Palace of Versailles.

Out of 925 MPs and senators eligible to vote, 780 supported the amendment, which will give women the “guaranteed freedom” to choose an abortion.

There was thunderous applause in the chamber as the result was announced on Monday; in central Paris, the Eiffel Tower was illuminated to mark the occasion.

The measure had already been passed by the upper and lower houses, the Sénat and the Assemblée Nationale, but final approval by parliamentarians at the joint session at Versailles was needed to effect constitutional change.

The prime minister, Gabriel Attal, told those gathered in the opulent Congress Hall in the palace’s Midi wing: “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. 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.

“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.”

He added: “I say to all women within our borders and beyond, that today, the era of a world of hope begins.”

She added: “Your fight is ours. This victory is yours.”
Mathilde Panot speaks at the congress
Mathilde Panot told the congress the abortion rights were ‘a promise … for all women fighting [for them] everywhere in the world’. Photograph: Bertrand Guay/AFP/Getty Images

The president, Emmanuel Macron, said he had promised to make women’s freedom to choose an abortion “irreversible”. Writing the right to abortion into the constitution, which involved amending the 17th paragraph of article 34 that defines the law and its limits, was seen as a way of protecting the law that decriminalised abortion in France in 1975.[/c][/quote]

This is a example of what should be done here in the USA.

And not just with abortion rights, yet with In Vitro Fertilization as well as contraception.

The Constitution is the place for ALL RIGHTS!
Not laws that will be revoked by any supreme court that deals with constitutional rights!

If it's not there it WILL BE REVOKED by opposing parties at some future point!

Same applies to all other rights.
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Egg01 · 56-60, F
It should, but I fear it’s very unlikely 😔
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
@Egg01 it still should be pushed. Nothing ever gets done until someone tries! And try, try again.

That's what happened with the women's right to vote!

They didn't stop until it happened!
Egg01 · 56-60, F
@DeWayfarer you’re right and I’ve never stopped fighting. I just see, granted only in some states, things regressing rather than progressing with regards to rights, women’s rights, and in this instance reproductive rights. Largely driven by the Christian right, though not exclusively. It’s good to know that women have allies in our fight. Here in the UK it’s better, despite attempts by certain groups to dictate to us what to do with our bodies.
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
@Egg01 keep up the pressure. I am unclear about the situation in the UK. Yet never give up!

Look to France as a sign of hope!
Egg01 · 56-60, F
@DeWayfarer absolutely and yes, countries like France are leading the way with this issue. French people are also not afraid to stand up for themselves. They took to the streets in May last year to protest the proposal by Macron’s Government to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/07/nationwide-strikes-in-france-over-plan-to-raise-pension-age-to-64
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
@Egg01 they as well have tried to remove the influence of religion. Yet they are at a strangle point on dress issue.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/06/europe/france-abaya-ban-scli-intl/index.html

I have reservations as to the extent they are taking this.

I don't like religion, yet the total opposite isn't good either.

Let them wear what they want to wear. Let it show that you can accept other cultures. Yet at the same time stress that is their culture.
Egg01 · 56-60, F
@DeWayfarer again we’re in agreement. Banning religion is not the answer. I think the moral of the story is that nothing is perfect, thank goodness!