Simone Veil

Simone Veil was a prominent French politician who dedicated her life to advocating for human dignity and European reconciliation. Born in 1927, Veil's early life was marked by her deportation to Auschwitz-Birkenau and later Bergen-Belsen as a teenager, an experience that would shape her future endeavors. She went on to become a magistrate, leveraging her profession to champion important social causes.

As Minister of Health, Veil played a pivotal role in advancing women's rights in France. Her most notable achievement came in 1975 with the passage of a landmark law legalizing abortion, which would come to be known as the Veil Act. This legislation cemented her legacy as a tireless advocate for women's rights and reproductive freedom. Through her work, Veil left an indelible mark on French politics and society, earning her a revered place in the country's history until her passing in 2017.