Abortion in France

Abortion services are widely available nationwide, with hospitals, clinics, and private healthcare providers offering safe and confidential procedures. In 2021, France was rated as the 5th European country with the highest progressiveness and openness to abortion, based on the legal status of abortion, access, clinical care, delivery, and availability of relevant information. The French healthcare system ensures that abortion is covered by national health insurance, making it accessible to women from all socio-economic backgrounds. The abortion rate in France has remained stable since the nineties, while the estimated abortion rate in Europe decreased significantly. In 2021, the French healthcare system registered 223,282 performed abortions. Three out of four abortions performed in the country were medical (instead of surgical). Over the last two decades, the use of drug-induced abortions increased steadily in France.

Access to abortion and women's autonomy over their bodies

Abortion laws in France are relatively liberal compared to many other countries, recognizing a woman's right to choose and access safe and legal abortion services. As of 2022, out of 27 countries, France notably held second place for its favorability toward the legalization of abortion, behind Sweden. That year, according to the opinion of the French on conditions of abortion access, 78 percent of the French population believed a woman should have the right to abort freely and no matter the circumstances. In comparison, 13 percent thought women should have rights under certain circumstances.

A subject of ongoing debate and legislative changes

The legal framework for abortion in France is based on the "Veil Law" (Loi Veil), named after Simone Veil, the Minister of Health who championed its adoption in 1975. This landmark law decriminalized abortion and granted women the right to terminate a pregnancy during the first 12 weeks or up to 14 weeks if there was a medical indication or other specific circumstances. Beyond this period, abortion is allowed only in cases of severe fetal abnormalities or when the woman's life is at risk. Despite the liberal approach to abortion in France, debates continue around various aspects, such as the rights of medical professionals to refuse to perform abortions based on their beliefs (conscientious objection). In recent years, advocacy groups have focused on further advancing reproductive rights in France, striving to maintain and strengthen access to abortion services while safeguarding women's autonomy over their bodies. France has established a progressive legal framework that respects a woman's right to choose regarding her reproductive health. However, as with any sensitive topic, ongoing discussions and advocacy efforts are essential to protect and expand these reproductive rights for all women in the country.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Jan 10, 2024

Key insights

Number of abortions performed in France in 2021
223k
Number of abortions per 1,000 women in France in 2021
15.5
Share of medical abortions in France in 2021
76%
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