Paris, France - The French parliament voted on Monday to enshrine the right to abortion in the French constitution.

The three-fifths majority required for this was achieved at a meeting of both chambers of parliament on Monday in Versailles. Only 72 MPs voted against it, and 780 voted yes.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal spoke of a "moral guilt" towards all women who suffered.

"We are haunted by the suffering and the memory of so many and so many women who have suffered for decades from not being able to be free," he emphasized, adding he was pleased about the "successful conclusion of a long struggle."

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During the vote, several hundred anti-abortion activists gathered near the Congress in Versailles to protest the constitutional amendment. The Catholic Church also made it clear that it continues to reject abortions.

According to broadcaster BFMTV, the Pontifical Academy for Life said: "In the age of universal human rights, there can be no 'right' to destroy a human life."

Both chambers of parliament have previously shown support for constitutionally protecting the right to abortion.

Abortions up to the 10th week of pregnancy have been allowed in France since 1975.

Since then, the law has changed to allow women to have abortions up to the 14th week of pregnancy, and the costs of the procedure are covered by health insurance.