The extension of the abortion period under debate in the Assembly

Five months before the presidential election, the National Assembly is tackling this Monday a societal reform demanded by activists in favor of women’s rights: the extension of the period for voluntary termination of pregnancy.

Carried by the deputy (ex-LREM) of Val-de-Marne Albane Gaillot and supported by the deputies of the majority against the opinion of the executive, this bill wishes to extend the period of abortion from 12 to 14 weeks. In addition to the opposition of “pro-life” associations, the bill also prompted nearly 500 amendments, 90% of which were tabled by the deputies of the Les Républicains (LR) group.

“My goal is to ensure that we assume real rights for every woman who needs to have an abortion”said Christophe Castaner, president of the LREM group in the National Assembly, on BFMTV on Sunday 28 November.

Emmanuel Macron unfavorable to the extension of the deadline

The subject of the extension of the deadline for abortion in France is not new. In June 2019, the socialist senator from Oise and former Minister for Women’s Rights had an amendment to the Health Bill adopted, which was ultimately rejected.

For his part, in an interview given last July to the magazine SHEEmmanuel Macron said he was “not in favor” of extending to 14 weeks, considering that abortion was “more traumatic in these times”. The Head of State reiterated his offers Thursday to the Figaro, while he was visiting the Vatican. “I have not changed my mind. Additional delays are not neutral on the trauma of a woman. Afterwards, I respect the freedom of parliamentarians.”

The return of this text to second reading in the Assembly is therefore due to the LREM deputies, and in particular their president. “If we want to guarantee a real and equal right to those who must be protected, it is necessary to extend the deadlines”said Christophe Castaner in October.

The extension of the abortion period also received the support of Olivier Véran, who estimated last month that it was a“a very important subject”. “I support the extension of the abortion period in France (…). I see the parliamentary approach in a good light”declared the Minister of Health on Franceinfo on October 2.

A probable deadlock in the Senate

Examined all week in the Assembly, the bill has little chance of being adopted by the end of the five-year term because the Senate must also adopt it at second reading. However, neither the socialist senators nor those of the majority wish to put the bill on the agenda of the Palais Bourbon. “We won’t take it back”has already announced the president of the LRM group in the Senate, François Patriat.

“We are in the typical case where Parliament cannot pass a text if the executive does not agree, regrets for his part Laurence Rossignol, quoted by The world. It creates hopes and deceives people.”