Abortion: everything you need to know about abortion

Abortion is a delicate stage in a woman's life.

Are you pregnant and want to have an abortion?

We explain everything you need to know about voluntary termination of pregnancy.

A little history

In 1975, the Veil law, decriminalizing voluntary termination of pregnancy, was put in place for a period of 5 years, before being renewed definitively.

Since December 1982, Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy (IVG) has been reimbursed by Social Security. And since 2016, the reimbursement rate has been 100% on all medical acts related to this operation.

Since 2001, abortion after the end of the 12th week of pregnancy has been prohibited.

In 2014, the French National Assembly frees women who wish to have an abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy from having to justify their decision. The bill removes language from a 1975 law that only granted women the right to an abortion in the 12th week if the pregnancy caused distress.

Voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG): what is it?

Abortion is the loss of an embryo or fetus during pregnancy.

It can be spontaneous, that is to say, occur without having been triggered: health problems, genetics, etc., or provoked and therefore voluntary.

Induced abortion, also called voluntary termination of pregnancy or abortion, is a medical act that allows an unwanted pregnancy to be terminated before its term.

In France, this medical act is an anonymous right for all pregnant women. Whether you are an adult or a minor, French or foreign, you have the choice and the right not to continue a pregnancy and to seek help from a doctor.

IVG: how does it go?

Voluntary interruption of pregnancy (IVG) is practiced until the end of the 12th week of pregnancy, ie the 14th weeks after the 1st day of the last menstrual period.

Two consultations with a gynecologist are mandatory beforehand.

During the first consultation, the doctor performs a gynecological examination where he explains all the risks associated with the procedure. A dating ultrasound and a blood test will be prescribed to assess the real age of the embryo.

The second consultation takes place a few days later, after a period of reflection.

You can make your decision during this second visit or choose to do it later.

If you have chosen to benefit from a psychosocial interview, you have a reflection period of 48 hours before giving your consent in writing.

If you are a minor, you must be accompanied by an adult: a relative, a friend, etc.

The psychosocial interview is compulsory for minors.

There are two medical techniques for performing a voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG):

• Medical abortion which consists of taking abortive drugs
• Surgical or instrumental abortion which consists of the aspiration of the foetus.

Abortion: what techniques?

Medical abortion

It is important to discuss the choice of technique with your doctor depending on the stage of pregnancy.

In France, you can perform a voluntary termination of pregnancy by medication until the end of the 5th week of pregnancy, i.e. 7 weeks after the start of your last period.

If you go to a health facility, this period can be extended up to 7 weeks of pregnancy, i.e. 9 weeks after the start of your last period.

After this term, the risk of failure of the abortion is greater and the doctor will recommend an abortion by surgery.

Since June 6, 2016, voluntary termination of pregnancy can be performed by both a doctor and a midwife.

It can be practiced in health establishments (hospitals or clinics) or at home through a city medical office, a planning center or a health center.

The drug technique consists of taking, in the presence of the doctor, two drugs that will stop the pregnancy and expel the embryo within a period ranging from 24 hours to 10 days.

The first drug is mifepristone. It blocks the action of progesterone, a hormone that maintains pregnancy, promotes contractions and dilates the cervix. The pregnancy is then terminated.

The second medication is misoprostol, to be taken 36 to 48 hours later in a doctor's office, midwife or at home. It increases uterine contractions and causes abortion, that is, the expulsion of the embryo.

It is strongly recommended to take painkillers at the same time as misoprostol.

Medical abortion is 95% effective. A control visit should take place after a few days.

It is necessary to ensure that the pregnancy is properly interrupted and that there are no complications.

If the pregnancy has not been interrupted, it will be necessary to resort to surgical abortion.

Surgical or instrumental abortion by aspiration

Surgical or instrumental abortion by aspiration can be performed until the end of the 12th week of pregnancy, ie 14 weeks after the start of the last menstrual period.

It must be performed in an authorized health facility (hospital or clinic) and only a doctor or surgeon trained in this technique can perform it.

The surgical technique consists of aspirating the contents of the uterus using a cannula inserted through the vagina, after dilation of the cervix. It can be performed under local or general anesthesia.

A follow-up consultation should take place a few days later.