Abortion in France: legal time limits, methods, procedure and aftercare

Up to how many weeks can you have an abortion in France?

In France, since the law of 2 March 2022, abortion (in French, IVG, interruption volontaire de grossesse) is allowed until the end of the 14th week of pregnancy, that is, 16 weeks of amenorrhoea, counted from the first day of your last period. The decision is yours alone: you do not need to justify your request.

Two ways of counting time are used side by side, which often causes confusion:

The stage of pregnancy is confirmed by a dating ultrasound scan. Beyond the legal limit, only a termination of pregnancy for medical reasons can be considered, under a different framework and for serious medical reasons.

What are the steps before an abortion in France?

1. First consultation with a doctor or midwife: confirming the pregnancy, dating it (ultrasound, sometimes an hCG hormone blood test), information about the methods, their risks and contraception. You are given an information guide.
2. Psychosocial interview: this is offered to adult women and compulsory for under-18s. It takes place in a sexual health centre or an approved organisation. There is no minimum waiting time between this interview and the abortion.
3. Written consent. Since 2022, no waiting period has been required: if you are an adult and do not want the interview, information and consent can be given in a single consultation.
4. Tests: blood group and rhesus factor if you do not already know them. If you are rhesus negative, since 2024 the CNGOF no longer recommends an anti-D immunoglobulin injection for an abortion carried out before 12 weeks; it is still indicated from 12 weeks. Some teams still give it routinely, in line with the 2021 HAS factsheet; your doctor will explain the approach used (see uterine aspiration and rhesus incompatibility).

A doctor or midwife can decline to perform an abortion, but must tell you straight away and refer you to another professional.

How does a medical abortion (abortion pill) work?

In France, it is possible up to 7 weeks of pregnancy (9 weeks since your last period), in a hospital or clinic, a private practice, a health centre or a sexual health centre, including by video consultation.

• First medicine: mifepristone, which stops the pregnancy from developing. It can be taken at the practice or at home.
• Second medicine: misoprostol, 24 to 48 hours later, which causes contractions and expulsion of the pregnancy. The doses and route depend on the stage of pregnancy, according to the guidelines of the HAS (French National Authority for Health).
• What to expect: bleeding heavier than a period and cramps, usually in the hours after misoprostol. Painkillers are prescribed. Bleeding then gradually decreases and may last one to two weeks.
• Compulsory follow-up visit between day 14 and day 21 after mifepristone, to check that the pregnancy has ended (examination, ultrasound or hCG blood test). This step is essential: the method fails in a small proportion of cases.

How does a surgical abortion (vacuum aspiration) work?

In France, it is possible up to 14 weeks of pregnancy (16 weeks since your last period), in a hospital or clinic or, under certain conditions, in an authorised health centre linked by agreement to a hospital. It can be performed by a doctor or, since 2024, by a trained midwife, in a healthcare facility.

• Preparing the cervix with a medicine (often misoprostol) a few hours beforehand, as recommended by the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF).
• Anaesthetic: local or short general, depending on your choice and the stage of pregnancy.
• Aspiration of the contents of the womb using a thin tube. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes. The CNGOF recommends aspiration rather than curettage.
• Going home usually the same day, after a few hours of monitoring. Dr Kadoch performs both medical and surgical abortions; an appointment is given promptly, taking the legal time limit into account.

To find out more about the procedure: uterine aspiration.

What are the risks of abortion, and does it affect fertility?

Abortion is a safe procedure when carried out in a medical setting. Possible complications are:

• heavier bleeding than expected;
• retained tissue (pregnancy not completely passed) or failure, more common with the medical method;
• infection of the womb (endometritis);
• with aspiration, rarely, a tear of the cervix or perforation of the womb.

According to CNGOF guidelines, abortion does not increase the risk of later infertility or ectopic pregnancy. Nor is it associated with an increase in mental health disorders; however, women with a history of mental health problems may need closer support. Rarely, scar tissue can form inside the womb (adhesions), especially after repeated or complicated procedures: see a doctor if your periods become much lighter or you have difficulty conceiving.

What contraception can I use after an abortion?

Ovulation can resume within two weeks of an abortion. Contraception is therefore discussed before the procedure. The CNGOF recommends in particular:

• after aspiration: pill or patch the same day, or an implant or coil (copper or hormonal) fitted during the procedure;
• after a medical abortion: combined pill on the day of misoprostol or the day after, implant possible from the day of mifepristone, coil possible within 10 days after an ultrasound check.

To compare the options: contraception methods and the coil (IUD).

Under-18s, cost and confidentiality: what does French law say?

• Under-18s: in France, there is no age requirement. A minor can involve her parents, but if she wishes to keep it confidential, the abortion can be performed at her request alone, provided she is accompanied by an adult of her choice.
• Cost: in France, abortion and related procedures are covered in full by the Assurance maladie, with nothing to pay upfront and no extra fees.
• Confidentiality: medical confidentiality applies; a minor can keep the abortion confidential from her parents.
• Information and support: in France, the free, anonymous national helpline for abortion, contraception and sexuality: 0 800 08 11 11.

A psychosocial consultation is offered after the abortion to every woman who would like one.

What about the emotional side?

Reactions after an abortion vary widely: relief, passing sadness, mixed feelings. All are normal. If distress persists, or comes with sleep problems, dark thoughts or being unable to get back to your usual activities, talk to your doctor or a midwife. If you are in distress or having suicidal thoughts, in France, the national suicide prevention line 3114 answers 24 hours a day, free of charge.

When should I seek urgent care after an abortion?

Contact the centre or doctor who performed the abortion immediately, or go to a gynaecological emergency department, if you have:

• very heavy bleeding, soaking several large pads in a short time, or large clots;
• a temperature above 38°C, foul-smelling discharge;
• severe pain not relieved by the prescribed painkillers;
• feeling faint, pallor, breathlessness;
• ongoing signs of pregnancy (nausea, tender breasts) after a medical abortion.

If you feel faint or have heavy bleeding, call 15 or 112 in France, or your local emergency number.

Frequently asked questions

General information article: it does not replace a medical consultation. In an emergency, call 15 or 112 in France, or your local emergency number.