France Becomes The First Country To Make Abortion A Constitutional Right

France has become the first nation to incorporate the right to abortion into its constitution.

In a decisive 780-72 vote, lawmakers amended the 1958 constitution to solidify women's "guaranteed freedom" to undergo abortion.

The announcement of the result prompted a standing ovation in the Versailles parliament. President Emmanuel Macron hailed the action as a matter of "French pride" that has sent out a "universal message."

Ahead of the vote, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal told lawmakers, "We're sending a message to all women: your body belongs to you and no one can decide for you."

Abortion has been legal in France since 1975 but was nor explicitly stated in the constitution as a guaranteed right before this.