French Parliament Exonerates Women Punished for Abortion: A Complex Legacy
The French National Assembly unanimously approved a bill to exonerate women penalized for having abortions before its legalization in 1975, a move supported by the government and the Senate. This legislation acknowledges the injustice of previous laws criminalizing abortion, recognizing the infringement on women’s rights and the widespread suffering caused. While not providing financial reparations, the law establishes a commission to preserve the memories of women who underwent secret abortions. This action aligns with France’s recent constitutional recognition of the right to terminate a pregnancy, a stance taken in response to global challenges to reproductive rights.
John Q. Hosedrinker