Simone Veil (13 July 1927 – 30 June 2017) was a pioneering French politician, Holocaust survivor, and advocate for women’s rights whose legacy continues to inspire. Born Simone Jacob, she endured the horrors of Auschwitz during World War II, an experience that deeply shaped her commitment to justice and human dignity.
Veil’s most notable achievement was championing the legalization of abortion in France in 1975, a landmark reform that transformed women’s healthcare and reproductive rights. As France’s Minister of Health, she courageously faced fierce opposition but remained steadfast, earning widespread respect.
Beyond her health reforms, she was a prominent figure in European politics, serving as the first female President of the European Parliament from 1979 to 1982. Her leadership helped strengthen European integration and promote democratic values.
Widely regarded as a symbol of resilience and progress, Simone Veil was honored by her election to the prestigious Académie Française and her burial in the Panthéon in Paris—one of France’s highest honors.
Simone Veil’s enduring impact on women’s rights, European unity, and human rights makes her an iconic figure in modern history.
