Simone Veil, a life of fighting Simone Veil, the Auschwitz survivor who became a towering figure in French politics after pushing to legalise abortion in the face of fierce opposition, was hailed as the best of France, following her death at 89. The co-president of Family Planning says her fight is "still relevant" today while author of her biography Jocelyne Sauvard hails her courage and strength. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES