Constitutional enshrinement as a way of safeguarding abortion rights: The case of France

•France enshrined abortion freedom in its Constitution in 2024.•COVID-19 and Roe v. Wade reversal influenced this decision.•The process was subject to debates about necessity and wording.•This move could inspire global reproductive rights protection. France's landmark constitutional amendment in 2024 enshrines abortion freedom in its supreme legal framework, representing a profound milestone against the backdrop of shifting global political and social attitudes toward abortion. This decision, influenced by disruptive events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the overturning of constitutional abortion rights in the United States, places France to the forefront of protecting abortion access. Despite ongoing challenges in accessing services in certain areas and circumstances, this amendment sets a precedent for other nations considering similar protections. We offer key insights into this case and reflect on how it can potentially shape legislative trends in abortion rights worldwide.