About
Simone Veil was a French magistrate, Holocaust survivor, and politician whose life was marked by resilience and advocacy for human rights. As a teenager, she was deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau and later Bergen-Belsen, experiences that shaped her commitment to human dignity and European reconciliation. As minister of health, she championed women’s rights and is best remembered for the landmark 1975 law legalising abortion, known as the Veil Act. Veil became a symbol of progress and a powerful voice for social justice.
Career Timeline
Holocaust Survivor
Survived Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps.
Begins Legal Career
Started working as a magistrate.
Health Minister Appointed
Appointed Minister of Health in France.
Legalizes Abortion
Spearheaded the Veil Act, legalizing abortion in France.
European Parliament President
Elected as the first President of the European Parliament.
Conseil Constitutionnel Member
Appointed to the Conseil Constitutionnel.
Académie Française Induction
Inducted into the Académie Française.
Death in Paris
Died in Paris, leaving a legacy as a champion of human rights and women's rights.
Legacy of Veil Act
Her legacy lives on through the Veil Act and her tireless work for European integration and human rights.
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Last updated: February 25, 2026