Simone Veil (born Simone Jacob), passed away on June 30, 2017 at the age of 89. She was a French lawyer and politician who profoundly changed the status of women in France. She served as Minister of Health for the government of Valéry Giscard d'Estaing from 1974 to79 and founded the contraception movement in France. She was the first elected president of the European Parliament in 1979 and, in 2008, was elevated to the dignity of Grand Croix de la Legion d'Honneur. In 1975, Simone Veil championed the right for women to have access to legal and safe abortion. This successfully passed both chambers in the French Parliament and she was the first woman to be elected president of the European Parliament (EP) in 1979. She remained a member of the EP until 1982 and during her time there she represented Madam Veil in the executive of the EP. Simone Veil was a devoted advocate for the rights of women, minorities, and the marginalized. She was recognized in many countries for her courage and advocacy, and many foreign organizations, including the United Nations, presented her with awards for her distinguished service. Simone Veil will be dearly missed, and remembered for her immense contribution to the cause of women’s rights.