Share of medical abortions in France 2001-2021

In 2021, three out of four abortions performed in France were medical (drug-induced). Over the last two decades, the use of drug-induced abortions increased steadily in the country. By 2009, the share of medical abortions surpassed surgical abortions among French women.

Medical abortion involves taking medication that causes pregnancy termination and embryo expulsion. In France, this method consists of taking two medications in succession. An antiprogesterone drug, mifepristone, interrupts the pregnancy. Then a prostaglandin, misoprostol, causes contractions and expulsion of the embryo. Medical abortions by teleconsultation are also possible for women in France.