In recent weeks, lawmakers have debated whether Luxembourg's Constitution should refer to abortion as a right or a freedom.
On Friday, the parliamentary committee on institutions settled the question, with an overwhelming majority of MPs voting in favour of the term "freedom."
As explained by constitutional law expert Luc Heuschling the term offers stronger protection for doctors' freedom of conscience. Under this framework, women have the freedom to request the procedure, while doctors retain the freedom to decline to perform it.
Only Fred Keup of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) voted against the change. "It's still the same question of when life begins. Some see it one way, others another, but I think it's important to respect those who believe that this goes against the right to life and that it's not a good thing. Despite the general euphoria that this issue may bring with it, we must not forget [those that disagree] and we should still have respect for their opinion too. That would be a good thing," Keup said.
The decision means that the "freedom to have an abortion" will be explicitly enshrined in the Constitution. Voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP) will be included in the second chapter on civil liberties. In order for this change to take effect, it must still be approved by a two-thirds majority in the Chamber of Deputies, but it seems this threshold is expected to be comfortably met when the vote takes place in parliament.
This constitutional amendment stems from a proposal introduced by The Left MP Marc Baum (déi Lénk). The text now moves to the Council of State, which is expected to deliver its opinion in the coming weeks.
