Simone de Beauvoir's 1971 'Manifesto of the 343' Transformed French Abortion Rights Debate
On April 5, 1971, the 'Manifesto of the 343' was released by Le Nouvel Observateur, advocating for abortion rights and penned by Simone de Beauvoir, with 342 women signing it. This initiative arose amidst a feminist movement challenging male dominance in matters of sexuality and reproduction. A 1920 law had made abortion illegal in France, resulting in perilous underground procedures. The manifesto brought abortion into the public discourse. A week later, Charlie Hebdo referred to it as the 'Manifesto of the 343 Sluts.' Following discussions, it was published alongside an article titled 'Our wombs belong to us.' This ignited global backing, including a manifesto from 252 doctors on May 3, 1971. Ultimately, the movement culminated in the 1975 'Veil Law' granting abortion rights. Simone de Beauvoir passed away on April 14, 1986.
Key facts
- The 'Manifesto of the 343' was published on April 5, 1971, in Le Nouvel Observateur.
- Simone de Beauvoir is considered the author of the manifesto.
- The manifesto contained 342 signatures from women of three generations.
- Abortion was illegal in France under a 1920 law, punishable by imprisonment.
- The satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo dubbed it the 'Manifesto of the 343 Sluts' a week after publication.
- The idea originated with journalists Nicole Muchnik and Jean Moreau.
- The Mouvement de Libération des Femmes (MLF) was involved in the campaign.
- Abortion was legalized in France in 1975 with the 'Veil Law'.
Entities
Artists
- Simone de Beauvoir
- Jean-Paul Sartre
- Cabu
- Nicole Muchnik
- Jean Moreau
- Claudine Monteil
- Gisèle Halimi
- Simone Veil
- Michel Debré
- Jean Daniel
Institutions
- Le Nouvel Observateur
- Charlie Hebdo
- Mouvement de Libération des Femmes (MLF)
- Choisir
- Le Monde
- Stern
Locations
- France
- Paris
- Bobigny
- Grenoble
- Rue Victor-Schœlcher
- Montparnasse
- Germany