Observing France at the beginning of its revolution, Edmund Burke was skeptical. Hearing its cry of “liberty,” he noted that “the effect of liberty to individuals, is, that they may do what they please: we ought to see what it will please them to do, before we risk congratulations, which may be soon turned into complaints.” France’s liberty would give the world much to complain about over the next few years. Even Thomas Jefferson, initially (and foolishly) enamored of the revolution, later lamented “those enormities which demoralised the nations of the world, and destroyed, and is yet to destroy millions and millions of its inhabitants.”
France has changed much, and been through many forms of government, since that epochal revolt destroyed its ancien régime. But it still aspires to change history. Which is exactly how the French prime minister described the decision, earlier this week, of lawmakers to enshrine a right to abortion in the French constitution. It is the first country in the world to do so. Future French leaders are now forbidden to “drastically modify” the nation’s abortion regime of permissibility up to 14 weeks gestation. A standing ovation ensued in the body after the vote.
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