Hundreds March in France to Defend Abortion Rights
On Saturday, demonstrations erupted in Paris and several French cities, as hundreds gathered to defend the fundamental right to abortion. Marking six months since abortion was enshrined in the French Constitution, the protest was organized by the collective "Abortion in Europe, women decide," which unites feminist associations and unions. The event coincided with the international day dedicated to abortion rights, highlighting the ongoing struggle for access to this essential healthcare service, especially in countries where such rights are severely restricted.
Amidst a climate of concern, demonstrators expressed fears that the constitutional guarantee of abortion access could be undermined. Marie Chureau, a 22-year-old student, shared her personal experience with abortion, emphasizing the need for better access to family planning resources and addressing the reported shortage of abortion pills in certain areas. "Inscribing abortion in the Constitution is not enough; it is a freedom but not a right," she stated, as the crowd rallied behind the banner proclaiming, "Abortion is a fundamental right."
Concerns Over Access to Abortion
The call to demonstrate included worries about potential reductions in the guaranteed freedoms surrounding abortion access. Thomas Laurent, a part-time worker in the entertainment industry, voiced concerns that the constitutional protection would not prevent cuts to State Medical Aid, which currently provides free healthcare to undocumented immigrants. "Women without papers will no longer have access to gynecological care and abortion," he cautioned, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many in the crowd.
In Toulouse, the rally featured signs that read "IVG penalized, sacrificed women" and "my body, my choice," with Green MP Sandrine Rousseau addressing the crowd about the global decline of abortion rights, particularly in countries influenced by far-right politics. "We are aware that this right can be called into question at any time, and we will not give up," she warned, referencing lawmakers who previously opposed the constitutionalization of abortion rights.
The Fight Continues for Abortion Access in France
In Lille, around 150 demonstrators called for the resignation of parliamentarians who voted against the constitutional amendment. Protesters carried placards with messages like "You don’t want me to have an abortion, so castrate yourself" and "the right to choose is vital." Meanwhile, in Nice, a smaller gathering expressed solidarity with women worldwide, emphasizing the need for accessible abortion services in France and beyond.
Official statistics reveal that 243,623 abortions were recorded in France in 2023, an increase of 8,600 from the previous year. Despite this, feminist groups and 89% of the French populace believe that significant obstacles to accessing abortion services still exist, particularly regarding healthcare infrastructure and wait times. In contrast, the Alliance Vita association argues that access has become "simplified, even trivialized." Prime Minister Michel Barnier assured the public that acquired rights, especially regarding abortion, would be "fully preserved."
