Macron Calls for Abortion Rights in EU Charter Amid Controversy

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the inclusion of abortion rights in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, stating that all European women should have the freedom to exercise this right. Macron's statement comes despite opposition from right-wing and far-right members of the European Parliament, who voted today on a call to include the right to legal and safe abortion in the EU Charter as part of ongoing efforts to update EU legislation on common rules for internal markets on renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

Macron emphasized that "for all women in Europe, living on this continent must mean having this right and being able to freely exercise it, as it is part of Europe's fundamental values." His remarks come amid a controversy between Italy and Spain over abortion rights. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has denied any plans to modify Italy's existing abortion law and accused the left of wanting to change it. Meloni also criticized Spain for "undermining a right recognized by law" and the "ultra-right" of trying to "intimidate to cancel rights" and "stop equality between women and men."

The debate over abortion rights in Europe has been reignited in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last year. In response, French lawmakers voted on March 4 to amend the constitution to guarantee women the right to abortion, with over 80% of the French population supporting the amendment compared to only 62% of Americans. The difference is attributed to France's more secular government and the deep ties between abortion and religious beliefs in the U.S.

Macron's call for abortion rights to be included in the EU Charter comes amid discussions at the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) summit, where officials from the US and EU gathered to discuss closer cooperation on advanced technologies, trade, and shared values. The TTC, established in 2021 as a platform for cooperation between the EU and US, aims to promote and protect shared values and trade interests, although it has not yet achieved major policy outcomes.

Why this matters: The debate over abortion rights in Europe highlights the ongoing struggle for women's reproductive rights and the influence of political and religious factors on access to healthcare. As a key EU leader, Macron's call for the inclusion of abortion rights in the EU Charter could have significant implications for women across the continent.

Macron's statement has been met with mixed reactions from EU officials and member states. While many have expressed support for enshrining abortion rights in the EU Charter, others have raised concerns about the potential for backlash from conservative and religious groups. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Macron's call will lead to concrete action at the EU level to protect and expand access to safe and legal abortion for all European women.

Key Takeaways

• Macron calls for abortion rights in EU Charter, despite opposition
• Debate over abortion rights reignited after US Roe v. Wade ruling
• French lawmakers voted to amend constitution to guarantee abortion rights
• Macron's call made amid EU-US Trade and Technology Council discussions
• Reactions mixed, with concerns about potential backlash from conservatives