France becomes the first country globally to embed abortion rights into its constitution.
- The amendment is passed by French lawmakers with an overwhelming majority of 780 to 72 in a special session of both houses of Parliament.
- The amendment guarantees freedom to abortion in France.
- French President Emmanuel Macron announces a formal ceremony to celebrate the passage of the amendment on International Women’s Rights Day, which falls on Friday.
- Abortion has been legal in France since 1975 under a law named after Simone Veil, the health minister who advocated for it. Initially allowing abortion up to the tenth week of pregnancy, it was extended to the twelfth week in 2001 and further to the fourteenth week in 2022. The procedure has been covered by France’s national healthcare system since the 1980s.
Q: What is the first country globally to embed abortion rights into its constitution?
a) United States
b) France
c) Canada
d) United Kingdom
Correct answer: b) France
