50 Years Post-Veil Law: Thousands Rally Against Abortion in Paris

Thousands of abortion opponents gathered in Paris for the annual ‘March for Life,’ commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Veil law, which legalized voluntary termination of pregnancy. Demonstrators voiced concerns over the constitutional status of IVG and advocated for mandatory ultrasounds and a reflection period before abortions. They opposed the legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia, emphasizing the need for improved palliative care. Recent statistics showed an increase in reported abortions, raising alarms about the fragility of reproductive rights.

Thousands Gather in Paris for the March for Life

In a significant gathering marking the 50th anniversary of the Veil law, several thousand abortion opponents rallied on Sunday in Paris, participating in the annual ‘March for Life.’ The air was filled with chants such as ‘IVG, that’s enough, we march for life,’ and ‘euthanasia, law of contempt,’ as demonstrators took to the streets from Trocadéro square at 2 p.m.

Reflecting on Fifty Years of the Veil Law

This demonstration is held each year to commemorate the legislation championed by Simone Veil, which legalized voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG) on January 17, 1975. Sophie, a 23-year-old participant, expressed to AFP, ‘This is a march for the right to live, to demonstrate that the debate is still ongoing in France, urging the French to reevaluate the beliefs being defended here.’

Concerns about the constitutional status of IVG were voiced by Jean, a 38-year-old Parisian, who stated, ‘Since it became part of the Constitution, we are very worried. Today, it’s an option (IVG), but tomorrow we might be seen as criminals for questioning it.’ On a podium adorned with a banner reading ’50 years of defending life,’ Nicolas Tardy-Joubert, president of the March for Life, boldly declared that ‘abortion is the leading cause of mortality in France for the human species.’

He emphasized the significance of the year 2025, noting, ‘Fifty years ago, the Veil law was enacted, leading to profound human losses and the exclusion of over 10 million babies from French society,’ prompting a moment of silence among the crowd.

Recent statistics revealed that 243,623 IVGs were reported in 2023, marking an increase of 8,600 from the previous year. While abortion regulations have become more lenient since 1975, and the right to IVG was solidified in the Constitution in 2024, feminist organizations express concern over the fragility of this right, citing ongoing ‘regular attacks’ from its opponents.

The organizers of the ‘March for Life’ reiterated their demands, which include mandatory ultrasounds by the sixth week of pregnancy to ‘hear the heartbeat of the fetus,’ and a three-day reflection period prior to any IVG. They also advocate for ‘encouraging anonymous childbirth’ and protecting the absolute right to conscientious objection for healthcare workers.

Another crucial issue raised during the demonstration was the opposition to any ‘legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia,’ alongside the call for ‘a comprehensive plan to enhance palliative care accessibility.’ Nicolas Tardy-Joubert warned against potential threats to end-of-life care with new legislative proposals on the horizon, stating, ‘Accepting euthanasia would signify a fundamental shift in our civilization. It’s a perspective rooted in individualism,’ added Maylis, a 54-year-old from Yvelines.

Under the Attal government, a bill intended to legalize assisted suicide and, in certain cases, euthanasia, was proposed with stringent conditions, opting for the term ‘active help to die.’ However, progress on this legislation was halted following the dissolution of the National Assembly in June 2024. In a recent policy address, Prime Minister François Bayrou refrained from commenting on this sensitive topic or its timeline, leaving the matter to the ‘initiative power’ of Parliament.

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