Global Abortion Policies Database
A tool to expand knowledge, encourage transparency, and promote accountability.
| Country or Region | |
|---|---|
France |
Gestational limit: 14 weeks
Read more On requestYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
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| Country | Economic or social reasons |
Foetal impairment |
Rape |
Incest |
Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman |
Mental health |
Physical health |
Health |
Life |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
France |
Economic or social reasonsNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
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Gestational limit
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
Additional notesWhere the multiple nature of pregnancy seriously endangers the health of the woman, the fetuses or the embryos, the partial voluntary termination of a multiple pregnancy can be carried out until the end of 12th week of pregnancy if two doctors, members of a multidisciplinary team responsible for examining the woman's request, issue an advisory opinion certifying that the medical conditions, in particular obstetrical and psychological, are met. No criteria relating to the characteristics of embryos or fetuses, including their sex, may be taken into account for the partial voluntary termination of a multiple pregnancy. Related documents: |
RapeNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
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IncestNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
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Intellectual or cognitive disability of the womanNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. |
Mental healthNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
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Physical healthNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
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Gestational limit
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
Additional notesWhere the multiple nature of pregnancy seriously endangers the health of the woman, the fetuses or the embryos, the partial voluntary termination of a multiple pregnancy can be carried out until the end of 12th week of pregnancy if two doctors, members of a multidisciplinary team responsible for examining the woman's request, issue an advisory opinion certifying that the medical conditions, in particular obstetrical and psychological, are met. No criteria relating to the characteristics of embryos or fetuses, including their sex, may be taken into account for the partial voluntary termination of a multiple pregnancy. Related documents: |
LifeNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
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OtherFoetal reduction can be carried out when the multiple nature of the pregnancy seriously endangers the health of the woman, the fetuses or the embryos. Related documents:Additional notesThe 2021 Bioethics Law specifies that the partial voluntary termination of a multiple pregnancy can be carried out until the end of 12th week of pregnancy if two doctors, members of a multidisciplinary team responsible for examining the woman's request, issue an advisory opinion certifying that the medical conditions, in particular obstetrical and psychological, are met. No criteria relating to the characteristics of embryos or fetuses, including their sex, may be taken into account for the partial voluntary termination of a multiple pregnancy. |
| Country | Authorization of health professional(s) |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities only |
Judicial authorization for minors |
Judicial authorization in cases of rape |
Police report required in case of rape |
Parental consent required for minors |
Spousal consent |
Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat required |
Compulsory counselling |
Compulsory waiting period |
Mandatory HIV screening test |
Other mandatory STI screening tests |
Prohibition of sex-selective abortion |
Restrictions on information provided to the public |
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetus |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
France |
Authorization of health professional(s)No Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
Additional notesFor terminations after 14 weeks of gestation, the following authorisation requirements obtain: "The voluntary termination of a pregnancy may be practiced at any time if two physicians who are members of a multidisciplinary team certify, after this team has rendered its advisory opinion, that the continuation of the pregnancy jeopardizes the pregnancy Or that there is a high probability that the unborn child will be afflicted with a particularly serious condition recognized as incurable at the time of diagnosis.
Where termination of pregnancy is contemplated on the grounds that the continuation of pregnancy seriously jeopardizes the health of the woman, the multidisciplinary team responsible for examining the woman's request shall include at least four persons who are a qualified medical practitioner. Gynecology and obstetrics, a member of a multidisciplinary prenatal diagnostic center, a practitioner specializing in the affliction of which the woman is a victim, a doctor chosen by the woman and a qualified person subject to professional secrecy who may be a social worker or a psychologist . The physician qualified in gynecology and obstetrics and the physician qualified in the treatment of the condition of which the woman is affected must carry out their activity in a health establishment.
Where termination of pregnancy is contemplated on the basis that there is a high probability that the unborn child will have a particularly serious condition recognized as incurable at the time of diagnosis, the multidisciplinary team Demand of the woman is that of a multidisciplinary center of prenatal diagnosis.
When the team of the aforementioned center meets, a doctor chosen by the woman may, at the request of the latter, be associated with the consultation. Except for medical emergencies, the woman is given a period of reflection of at least one week before deciding to interrupt or continue her pregnancy." |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities onlyNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. To establish an enabling environment, there is a need for abortion care to be integrated into the health system across all levels (including primary, secondary and tertiary) – and supported in the community – to allow for expansion of health worker roles, including self-management approaches. To ensure both access to abortion and achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), abortion must be centred within primary health care (PHC), which itself is fully integrated within the health system, facilitating referral pathways for higher-level care when needed. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.4.1.
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Judicial authorization for minorsNo Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
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Judicial authorization in cases of rapeNot applicable WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There shall be no procedural requirements to “prove” or “establish” satisfaction of grounds, such as requiring judicial orders or police reports in cases of rape or sexual assault (for sources to support this information). These restrictions subject the individual to unnecessary trauma, may put them at increased risk from the perpetrator, and may cause women to resort to unsafe abortion.
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Police report required in case of rapeNot applicable WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There shall be no procedural requirements to “prove” or “establish” satisfaction of grounds, such as requiring judicial orders or police reports in cases of rape or sexual assault (for sources to support this information). These restrictions subject the individual to unnecessary trauma, may put them at increased risk from the perpetrator, and may cause women to resort to unsafe abortion.
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Parental consent required for minorsNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While parental or partner involvement in abortion decision-making can support and assist women, girls or other pregnant persons, this must be based on the values and preferences of the person availing of abortion and not imposed by third-party authorization requirements. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
Additional notesIf the woman is a non-emancipated minor, the consent of one of the holders of parental authority or, where applicable, of her legal representative shall be obtained. This consent shall be attached to the request that she presents to the physician or midwife, without the presence of any other person. If the non-emancipated minor desires to maintain confidentiality, the physician or midwife must strive, in her interest, to obtain her consent that one or both of the holders of parental authority or, where applicable, of the legal representative be consulted or must verify that this step has been taken during the discussion referred to in article L. 2212-4 of the Public Health Code. If the minor desires not to take this step or if consent is not obtained, the voluntary termination of pregnancy as well as the medical procedures and care that are related to it may be performed at the request of the interested person, set out in the conditions provided for in the first paragraph. In this case the minor shall be accompanied in her step by an adult of her choice. |
Spousal consentNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While parental or partner involvement in abortion decision-making can support and assist women, girls or other pregnant persons, this must be based on the values and preferences of the person availing of abortion and not imposed by third-party authorization requirements. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
Additional notesThe Public Health Code indicates that whenever possible the couple shall participate in the decision to take. Related documents: |
Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat requiredNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The right to refuse information, including the right to refuse viewing ultrasound images, must be respected. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against the use of ultrasound scanning as a prerequisite for providing abortion services for both medical and surgical abortion. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.5.
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Compulsory counsellingNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While counselling should be made available and accessible, it should always be voluntary for women to choose whether or not they want to receive it. The right to refuse counselling when offered must be respected. Where provided, counselling must be available to individuals in a way that respects privacy and confidentiality.
Additional notesThe following is mandatory for non-emancipated minor women, not for adult women: a consultation with a person who having trained and qualified in marriage counseling or any other qualified person in a institution providing information, consultation or family advice, a family planning or education centre, a social service or another approved body. This preliminary consultation includes a special interview in which assistance or advice appropriate to the situation of the applicant are brought to her. |
Compulsory waiting periodNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mandatory waiting periods delay access to abortion, sometimes to the extent that women’s access to abortion or choice of abortion method is restricted. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against mandatory waiting periods for abortion. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.1.
Additional notesAccording to the articles L. 2212-4 and L. 2212-5 of the Public Health Code, if the person requesting abortion is a minor, a consultation with a counselor or a social worker has to take place at least 48 hours before abortion. This consultation is mandatory for minors and optional for adults. |
Mandatory HIV screening testNo Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Regulatory, policy and programmatic barriers – as well as barriers in practice – that hinder access to and timely provision of quality abortion care should be removed. Abortion Care Guideline § Box 2.1.
Additional notesScreening for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection, as well as a Pap smear can be performed if necessary. |
Other mandatory STI screening testsNo Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Regulatory, policy and programmatic barriers – as well as barriers in practice – that hinder access to and timely provision of quality abortion care should be removed. Abortion Care Guideline § Box 2.1.
Additional notesScreening for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection, as well as a Pap smear can be performed if necessary. |
Prohibition of sex-selective abortionNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. In situations where abortion is restricted for sex selection purposes, terminating a pregnancy for this reason is likely to involve an unsafe procedure carrying high risks. Any policies or guidelines on the use of technology in obstetric and fetal medicine should take into account the need to ensure women’s access to safe abortion and other services - efforts to manage or limit sex selection should also not hamper or limit access to safe abortion services. Preventing gender-biased sex selection: an interagency statement.
Additional notesThe 2021 Bioethics Law stipulates that no criteria relating to the characteristics of embryos or fetuses, including their sex, may be taken into account for the partial voluntary termination of a multiple pregnancy. Related documents: |
No data
Restrictions on information provided to the publicNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Dissemination of misinformation, withholding of information and censorship should be prohibited.
Additional notesPreventing or attempting to prevent practicing or learning about a voluntary termination of pregnancy or the prior acts provided for by articles L. 2212- 3 to L. 2212-8 by any means, including electronically or online, in particular by the dissemination or transmission of allegations or indications likely to be intentionally misleading, with a dissuasive purpose, on the characteristics or the medical consequences of a voluntary termination of pregnancy is punishable by two years' imprisonment and a fine of 30,000 euros. Related documents: |
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetusNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information. Prenatal tests and other medical diagnostic services cannot legally be refused because the woman may decide to terminate her pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines § 4.2.1.4.
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Other |
| Country | National guidelines for induced abortion |
Methods allowed |
Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol) |
Country recognized approval (misoprostol) |
Where can abortion services be provided |
National guidelines for post-abortion care |
Where can post abortion care services be provided |
Contraception included in post-abortion care |
Insurance to offset end user costs |
Who can provide abortion services |
Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
France |
National guidelines for induced abortionYes, guidelines issued by the government WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. National standards and guidelines for abortion care should be evidence based and periodically updated and should provide the necessary guidance to achieve equal access to comprehensive abortion care. Leadership should also promote evidence-based SRH services according to these standards and guidelines. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.3.
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Methods allowedVacuum aspirationYes (98 DAYS 14 WEEKS) Dilatation and evacuationNot specified Combination mifepristone-misoprostolYes (63 DAYS 9 WEEKS (but no specified limit for medical reasons) WEEKS) Misoprostol onlyNot specified Other (where provided)
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Vacuum aspiration is recommended for surgical abortions at or under 14 weeks to be provided by traditional and complementary medicine professionals, nurses, midwives, associate/advanced associate clinicians, generalist medical practitioners and specialist medical practitioners.
Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is recommended for surgical abortions at or over 14 weeks to be provided by generalist medical practitioners and specialist medical practitioners. Vacuum aspiration can be used during a D&E. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.1.
The recommended method for medical abortion is mifepristone followed by misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.2.
The Abortion Care Guideline recommends the use of misoprostol alone, with a regime that differs by gestational age. Evidence demonstrates that the use of combination mifepristone plus misoprostol is more effective than misoprostol alone. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.2.
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Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol)Yes Pharmacy selling or distributionYes, with prescription only WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
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Country recognized approval (misoprostol)Yes, for gynaecological indications Misoprostol allowed to be sold or distributed by pharmacies or drug storesYes, with prescription only WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
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Where can abortion services be providedPrimary health-care centresYes Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesYes Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNot specified Private health-care centres or clinicsYes NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified Other (if applicable)Through teleconsultation WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
Additional notesAbortion may only take place in a public or private health facility or within the framework of an agreement concluded between such a facility and a practitioner, a center for family education or family planning, or a health center under conditions determined by a decree of the State Council.(1, article L2212-2) Medical abortions may be provided in Centres for Family Planning or Family Education. Doctors may provide medical abortions outside of health establishments up to seven weeks of gestation. Related documents: |
National guidelines for post-abortion careYes, guidelines issued by the government WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. National standards and guidelines for abortion care should be evidence based and periodically updated and should provide the necessary guidance to achieve equal access to comprehensive abortion care. Leadership should also promote evidence-based SRH services according to these standards and guidelines. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.3.
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Where can post abortion care services be providedPrimary health-care centresNot specified Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesNot specified Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNot specified Private health-care centres or clinicsNot specified NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends the option of telemedicine as an alternative to in-person interactions with the health worker to deliver medical abortion services in whole or in part. Telemedicine services should include referrals (based on the woman’s location) for medicines (abortion and pain control medicines), any abortion care or post-abortion follow-up required (including for emergency care if needed), and for post-abortion contraceptive services. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.6.1.
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Contraception included in post-abortion careYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. All contraceptive options may be considered after an abortion. For individuals undergoing surgical abortion and wishing to use contraception, Abortion Care Guideline recommends the option of initiating the contraception at the time of surgical abortion. For individuals undergoing medical abortion, for those who choose to use hormonal contraception, the Abortion Care Guideline suggests that they be given the option of starting hormonal contraception immediately after the first pill of the medical abortion regimen. For those who choose to have an IUD inserted, Abortion Care Guideline suggests IUD placement at the time that success of the abortion procedure is determined. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.5.4.
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Insurance to offset end user costsYes Related documents:Induced abortion for all womenYes Induced abortion for poor women onlyNo Abortion complicationsNot specified Private health coverageNot specified WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where user fees are charged for abortion, this should be based on careful consideration of ability to pay, and fee waivers should be available for those who are facing financial hardship and adolescent abortion seekers. As far as possible, abortion services and supplies should be mandated for coverage under insurance plans as inability to pay is not an acceptable reason to deny or delay abortion care. Furthermore, having transparent procedures in all health-care facilities can ensure that informal charges are not imposed by staff. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.4.2.
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Who can provide abortion servicesNurseNo Midwife/nurse-midwifeYes Midwives may perform medical abortions in cases of abortion at the woman’s request before the end of the twelfth week of pregnancy. Doctor (specialty not specified)Yes Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNNot specified WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against regulation on who can provide and manage abortion that is inconsistent with WHO guidance. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.8.
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Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion servicesReferral linkages to a higher-level facilityNot specified Availability of a specialist doctor, including OB/GYNNot specified Minimum number of bedsNot specified Private facilities must have beds or places authorized for gynecology/obstetrics or surgery. The Public Health Law does not stipulate a specific number of beds required. Other (if applicable)Public and private facilities must have the capacity to manage abortion complications. Public facilities must have an approved centre for family planning or education or an agreement for such a centre to undertake within their institution the activities defined in articles R2311-7 to R 2311-18. Private facilities must have an agreement with an approved family planning or education centre to undertake within their institution the activities defined in articles R2311-7 to R2311-8. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There is no single recommended approach to providing abortion services. The choice of specific health worker(s) (from among the recommended options) or management by the individual themself, and the location of service provision (from among recommended options) will depend on the values and preferences of the woman, girl or other pregnant person, available resources, and the national and local context. A plurality of service-delivery approaches can co-exist within any given context. Given that service-delivery approaches can be diverse, it is important to ensure that for the individual seeking care, the range of service-delivery options taken together will provide access to scientifically accurate, understandable information at all stages; access to quality-assured medicines (including those for pain management); back-up referral support if desired or needed; linkages to an appropriate choice of contraceptive services for those who want post-abortion contraception. Best Practice Statement 49 on service delivery. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.6.1.
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| Country | Public sector providers |
Private sector providers |
Provider type not specified |
Neither Type of Provider Permitted |
Public facilities |
Private facilities |
Facility type not specified |
Neither Type of Facility Permitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
France |
Public sector providersIndividual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
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Private sector providersIndividual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
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Provider type not specifiedYes Individual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
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Neither Type of Provider PermittedIndividual health-care providers who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
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Public facilitiesNo Health-care facilities who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes No refusal is permitted if referral is not possible. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
Additional notesThe Public Health Law states that "A private health facility may refuse to have voluntary terminations of pregnancy performed on its premises." However, this refusal may not be invoked by a facility referred to in paragraph 2 of article L. 6161-5 or by a facility having concluded an agreement of concession pursuant to article L. 6161-9 in its version prior to Law No. 2009-879 of 21 July 2009 on hospital reform and on patients, health, and territories unless other facilities are able to respond to local needs. The Public Health Law also states that specific kinds of public hospitals are not permitted to refuse performing abortions. |
Private facilitiesYes Health-care facilities who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes No refusal is permitted if referral is not possible. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
Additional notesThe Public Health Law states that "A private health facility may refuse to have voluntary terminations of pregnancy performed on its premises." However, this refusal may not be invoked by a facility referred to in paragraph 2 of article L. 6161-5 or by a facility having concluded an agreement of concession pursuant to article L. 6161-9 in its version prior to Law No. 2009-879 of 21 July 2009 on hospital reform and on patients, health, and territories unless other facilities are able to respond to local needs. The Public Health Law also states that specific kinds of public hospitals are not permitted to refuse performing abortions. |
Facility type not specifiedNo Health-care facilities who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes No refusal is permitted if referral is not possible. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
Additional notesThe Public Health Law states that "A private health facility may refuse to have voluntary terminations of pregnancy performed on its premises." However, this refusal may not be invoked by a facility referred to in paragraph 2 of article L. 6161-5 or by a facility having concluded an agreement of concession pursuant to article L. 6161-9 in its version prior to Law No. 2009-879 of 21 July 2009 on hospital reform and on patients, health, and territories unless other facilities are able to respond to local needs. The Public Health Law also states that specific kinds of public hospitals are not permitted to refuse performing abortions. |
Neither Type of Facility PermittedNo Health-care facilities who have objected are required to refer the woman to another providerYes No refusal is permitted if referral is not possible. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
Additional notesThe Public Health Law states that "A private health facility may refuse to have voluntary terminations of pregnancy performed on its premises." However, this refusal may not be invoked by a facility referred to in paragraph 2 of article L. 6161-5 or by a facility having concluded an agreement of concession pursuant to article L. 6161-9 in its version prior to Law No. 2009-879 of 21 July 2009 on hospital reform and on patients, health, and territories unless other facilities are able to respond to local needs. The Public Health Law also states that specific kinds of public hospitals are not permitted to refuse performing abortions. |
Concluding Observations issued by respective treaty bodies and selected extracts related to abortion.
| Country | CAT |
CEDAW |
CERD |
CESCR |
CRC |
CRPD |
HRC |
IE HAIT |
SR HEALTH |
SR TORTURE |
SR VAW |
WG-DWLP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
France |
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CEDAW“While noting with appreciation the information on and easy accessibility of contraceptive measures and the access to voluntary termination of pregnancy, the Committee is concerned at the relatively high abortion rate. The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that sex education, including prevention of early pregnancy, be widely promoted and targeted at both girls and boys, women and men, with special attention being paid to migrant and immigrant girls and boys and women and men. The Committee also calls on the State party to provide information on maternal mortality and abortion in its next periodic report.”
“The Committee welcomes the legislative measures taken by the State party to facilitate access to contraception and abortion, including full insurance coverage, free contraception for adolescents and urgent contraception prescribed by school nurses. The Committee is, however, concerned about: […] (a) Regional disparities in the provision of health-care services, which may affect women and girls disproportionately;”
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Country specific information regarding abortion related penalties. Information regarding penalties has been presented in English only; this information is not based on an official translation. Please review the source documents provided.
| Country | Penalties deconstructed |
Penalties for woman |
Penalties for provider |
Penalties for person who assists |
Secondary additional considerations/judicial discretion |
Penalties for non-consensual abortion and or negligence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
France |
Penalties deconstructedPenalties only for unlawful/illegal abortions |
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PenaltiesPublic Health Code Article L2222-2 The interruption of the pregnancy of another person is punishable by two years imprisonment and a fine of 30,000 euros when it is practiced knowingly in the following circumstances: (1) After the expiration of the period within which it is authorized by law, unless it is practiced for medical reasons; (2) by a person who is not a physician; (3) In a place other than a public hospital or a private hospital that meets the conditions provided for by law or outside the scope of an agreement concluded in accordance with the provisions of Article L 2212-2. This offense is punishable by five years' imprisonment and a fine of € 75,000 if the offender usually practices it. Attempts to commit offenses under this article shall be punishable by the same penalties. Article L2222-3 The fact of proceeding to an interruption of pregnancy after prenatal diagnosis without having respected the modalities provided for by the law is punished by two years of imprisonment and of 30.000 euros of fines. Article L2222-4 Providing the woman with the material means to interrupt her pregnancy is punished by three years' imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros. These sentences are increased to five years imprisonment and a fine of € 75,000 if the offense is committed in the usual way. In no case shall the woman be considered as an accomplice of this act. The prescription or the delivery of authorized medicinal products intended to cause a voluntary interruption of pregnancy can not be equated with the aforementioned offense. Legislative Section Part 5: Health Products Book I: Pharmaceutical products Title III: Other regulated pharmaceutical products and substances Chapter V: Products capable of causing a voluntary interruption Of pregnancy. Article L5135-1 Manufacturers and traders in gynecological devices are prohibited from selling medical devices that can be used for voluntary termination of pregnancy to persons not belonging to the medical profession or who do not themselves sell surgical appliances. Legislative Section Part 5: Health Products Book IV: Penal and Financial Sanctions Title III: Other regulated pharmaceutical products and substances Chapter V: Products capable of causing a voluntary interruption Of pregnancy. Article L5435-1 The sale by manufacturers and traders of gynecological devices of medical devices usable for a voluntary interruption of pregnancy to persons not belonging to the medical profession or who do not themselves profession to sell these devices is punishable by two years d Imprisonment and a fine of 30,000 euros. Individuals and legal entities also incur the following penalties: 1) Confiscation of seized medical devices; 2. The prohibition to practice the profession or activity in which the offense was committed, for a period not exceeding five years. Title II: Penal provisions Chapter II: Illegal Interruption of Pregnancy Single Section Article R2222-1 The fact that a director of a health establishment where a woman is admitted for a voluntary interruption of pregnancy not to be given or not to retain for one year the attestations justifying that she has complied with the prescribed consultations In articles L. 2212-3 to L. 2212-5, shall be punished with the fine provided for the contraventions of the fifth class. The same penalty shall be imposed on the head of a health facility for not receiving or not retaining for three years the medical certificate provided for in Article L. 2213-1. Article R2222-2 The failure of a medical practitioner to make a declaration under section L. 2212-10 is punishable by a fine imposed on fifth-class tickets. The same penalty shall be imposed on the head of a health facility not to send the declaration to the medical officer of the regional health agency designated by the director general of the agency under the conditions laid down in Article L 2212-10. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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PenaltiesPublic Health Code Article L2222-2 The interruption of the pregnancy of another person is punishable by two years imprisonment and a fine of 30,000 euros when it is practiced knowingly in the following circumstances: (1) After the expiration of the period within which it is authorized by law, unless it is practiced for medical reasons; (2) by a person who is not a physician; (3) In a place other than a public hospital or a private hospital that meets the conditions provided for by law or outside the scope of an agreement concluded in accordance with the provisions of Article L 2212-2. This offense is punishable by five years' imprisonment and a fine of € 75,000 if the offender usually practices it. Attempts to commit offenses under this article shall be punishable by the same penalties. Article L2222-3 The fact of proceeding to an interruption of pregnancy after prenatal diagnosis without having respected the modalities provided for by the law is punished by two years of imprisonment and of 30.000 euros of fines. Article L2222-4 Providing the woman with the material means to interrupt her pregnancy is punished by three years' imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros. These sentences are increased to five years imprisonment and a fine of € 75,000 if the offense is committed in the usual way. In no case shall the woman be considered as an accomplice of this act. The prescription or the delivery of authorized medicinal products intended to cause a voluntary interruption of pregnancy can not be equated with the aforementioned offense. Legislative Section Part 5: Health Products Book I: Pharmaceutical products Title III: Other regulated pharmaceutical products and substances Chapter V: Products capable of causing a voluntary interruption Of pregnancy. Article L5135-1 Manufacturers and traders in gynecological devices are prohibited from selling medical devices that can be used for voluntary termination of pregnancy to persons not belonging to the medical profession or who do not themselves sell surgical appliances. Legislative Section Part 5: Health Products Book IV: Penal and Financial Sanctions Title III: Other regulated pharmaceutical products and substances Chapter V: Products capable of causing a voluntary interruption Of pregnancy. Article L5435-1 The sale by manufacturers and traders of gynecological devices of medical devices usable for a voluntary interruption of pregnancy to persons not belonging to the medical profession or who do not themselves profession to sell these devices is punishable by two years d Imprisonment and a fine of 30,000 euros. Individuals and legal entities also incur the following penalties: 1) Confiscation of seized medical devices; 2. The prohibition to practice the profession or activity in which the offense was committed, for a period not exceeding five years. Title II: Penal provisions Chapter II: Illegal Interruption of Pregnancy Single Section Article R2222-1 The fact that a director of a health establishment where a woman is admitted for a voluntary interruption of pregnancy not to be given or not to retain for one year the attestations justifying that she has complied with the prescribed consultations In articles L. 2212-3 to L. 2212-5, shall be punished with the fine provided for the contraventions of the fifth class. The same penalty shall be imposed on the head of a health facility for not receiving or not retaining for three years the medical certificate provided for in Article L. 2213-1. Article R2222-2 The failure of a medical practitioner to make a declaration under section L. 2212-10 is punishable by a fine imposed on fifth-class tickets. The same penalty shall be imposed on the head of a health facility not to send the declaration to the medical officer of the regional health agency designated by the director general of the agency under the conditions laid down in Article L 2212-10. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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PenaltiesNone found |
PenaltiesPenal Code 223-10 The interruption of the pregnancy without the consent of the person concerned is punishable by five years imprisonment and a fine of 75,000 euros. 223-11 An offense under section 223-10 is punishable by the same. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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