Rewriting History: France Rehabilitates Women Punished for Abortion Before 1975
Honoring the dignity of thousands silenced by outdated and unjust laws
Historic Legislation Passed Unanimously in Parliament
In a landmark moment for women’s rights, the French Parliament has unanimously approved a new law rehabilitating the thousands of women convicted for having or helping with abortions before the procedure was legalized in 1975. Championed by the government and previously passed without opposition in the Senate, this final vote in the National Assembly marks a united front in acknowledging and addressing historical injustices. Minister for Gender Equality, Aurore Bergé, called the law “an act of justice for thousands of lives shattered by an unjust legal system.” Official figures reveal that over 11,660 individuals were prosecuted under these antiquated abortion laws.
Recognizing the Suffering Caused by Abortion Criminalization
The law, originally proposed by former Women’s Rights Minister Laurence Rossignol, openly acknowledges the harm inflicted on women’s health, freedoms, and fundamental human rights by these outdated restrictions. It honors the memory of those who suffered or even died due to unsafe, clandestine procedures, and underscores the deep emotional and physical pain inflicted by criminalizing reproductive choices.
Preserving Testimonies Through a National Remembrance Commission
One of the most significant aspects of this legislation is the creation of a remembrance commission. This body will be tasked with gathering personal accounts from women who underwent illegal abortions, as well as from those who helped them. The goal is to preserve their stories, amplify their voices, and educate future generations on the harsh realities faced before abortion was legal. While this symbolic law marks a major step forward, it does not include financial reparations—a point criticized by left-wing voices such as ecologist MP Sandra Regol. Meanwhile, right-wing factions, including members of the Republicans and National Rally, expressed approval over the absence of compensation.
Sending a Global Message of Reproductive Justice
The Women’s Foundation has applauded the reform as a bold declaration. “France is sending a powerful message, nationally and internationally: no one should ever be criminalized for choosing abortion,” the organization stated. By acknowledging past injustices, France reaffirms its commitment to reproductive rights and the dignity of those wrongfully punished under former laws.
Parallel Justice: Rehabilitation for Victims of Homophobic Laws
Addressing State-Driven Discrimination
In a related move, the National Assembly has also unanimously passed, in a second reading, a bill to rehabilitate men and women convicted under anti-homosexuality laws between 1942 and 1982. This new measure confronts decades of state-driven discrimination, offering symbolic redress and financial compensation. Under the proposal, eligible individuals could receive €10,000, plus €150 for each day spent in prison.
Senate Modifications Spark Ongoing Debate
The bill is still being debated in the Senate, where multiple amendments have stirred controversy. Most notably, the Senate adjusted the starting date from 1942 to 1945, excluding those convicted during the Vichy regime, and removed the financial compensation clause. Experts like sociologist Régis Schlagdenhauffen estimate around 10,000 were convicted due to unequal age-of-consent laws, and 40,000 due to charges such as public indecency. However, since many of those affected are elderly or deceased, the number of individuals who will benefit may be limited.
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