2024-02-28 14:44:02
February 28, 2024
At the heart of the debates over whether or not it should be included in the French Constitution, voluntary termination of pregnancy has been legalized in France since 1975 thanks to the Veil Law. Deadlines, methods, time for reflection… everything you need to know regarding abortion in seven questions.
What is the legal deadline for a medical abortion?
Medical abortion can be performed until the end of the 7th week of pregnancy, i.e. at least 9 weeks following the start of the last period. Taking two different medications successively causes the pregnancy to be terminated and the embryo to be expelled.
Mifepristone is the first drug. This antiprogesterone medication terminates pregnancy. Bleeding is possible but this does not mean that the pregnancy has been terminated. Taking the second medication is therefore essential.
Misoprostol, this second medication, is a prostaglandin placed under the tongue or inside the cheek, 24 to 48 hours following taking the first medication. The molecule produces contractions and therefore the expulsion of the embryo, generally 3 to 4 hours following taking it. More rarely, 24 to 72 hours may pass.
How does a surgical abortion take place?
A surgical, or instrumental, abortion consists of aspiration of the embryo. This type of abortion can be carried out up to 14 weeks following the start of the pregnancy (which corresponds to the legal deadline for abortion), or 16 weeks following the start of the last period.
The intervention takes place in several stages. The first consists of dilation of the cervix. Taking medication is then recommended. It is either an antiprogesterone, mifepristone (to be taken orally 36 to 48 hours before aspiration) or a prostaglandin, misoprostol (to be taken orally 3 to 4 hours before aspiration); or gemeprost which acts on the contractibility of the uterus (an egg vaginally 3 hours before aspiration).
The doctor then inserts a small tube (a cannula) connected to the device allowing the contents of the uterus to be suctioned. Local anesthesia of the cervix is most often performed. General anesthesia can be performed, provided that a consultation with the anesthetist has taken place beforehand.
The procedure lasts around ten minutes but the patient will often remain under observation for around twelve hours before being able to leave the hospital. It is recommended that she be accompanied by a loved one to return home.
Who should I contact for an abortion?
Abortions are performed by doctors or midwives.
For a medical abortion, you can contact a health establishment, certain town practices, or certain sexual health centers.
An instrumental abortion takes place in a hospital or clinic or, under certain conditions, in an authorized health center.
Is a reflection period necessary before an abortion?
The abortion process takes place in several stages. During a first consultation, the woman collects the information she needs and asks questions. There follows a reflection period which can vary from one woman to another. The important thing is to always keep in mind the legal deadline for performing an abortion. A second consultation is devoted to practical details (method, location). The abortion then takes place and a follow-up consultation will be scheduled between 14 and 21 days following the abortion.
Can minors have an abortion?
Whether an adult or a minor, any pregnant woman who does not wish to continue her pregnancy can request an abortion from a specialist, doctor or midwife. A minor does not need parental consent to have an abortion. She only needs to be accompanied during her appointments by an adult of her choice. The abortion can be carried out completely anonymously.
For a minor, a psycho-social consultation, optional for adults, is obligatory before an abortion. Psychological and social follow-up is then offered to the young woman.
Is abortion reimbursed?
For all socially insured women, adults or minors, abortion as well as all associated medical procedures are 100% covered by Health Insurance without any advance payment (on a flat-rate basis).
Where can I find information regarding abortion?
A toll-free number Sexualities – Contraception – IVG: 0 800 08 11 11
A website: www.ivg.gouv.fr
A guide :
You can contact your GP, your gynecologist, your midwife, a family planning center or an orthogenics center near you.
Source: Family planning, Ameli.fr, the Ministry of Health, Vidal
Written by: Dorothée Duchemin – Edited by Emmanuel Ducreuzet
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