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.
Share of medical (drug-induced) voluntary termination of pregnancies (abortions) in France from 2001 to 2021
Characteristic
Share of abortions
2001
31%
2002
35%
2003
38%
2004
42%
2005
45%
2006
47%
2007
49%
2008
50%
2009
52%
2010
54%
2011
55%
2012
57%
2013
58%
2014
59%
2015
61%
2016
65%
2017
68%
2018
69%
2019
68%
2020
74%
2021
76%
Zoomable Statistic: Select the range in the chart you want to zoom in on.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
DREES. (September 27, 2022). Share of medical (drug-induced) voluntary termination of pregnancies (abortions) in France from 2001 to 2021 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 21, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400458/share-of-drug-induced-abortions-over-time-in-france/
DREES. "Share of medical (drug-induced) voluntary termination of pregnancies (abortions) in France from 2001 to 2021." Chart. September 27, 2022. Statista. Accessed December 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400458/share-of-drug-induced-abortions-over-time-in-france/
DREES. (2022). Share of medical (drug-induced) voluntary termination of pregnancies (abortions) in France from 2001 to 2021. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400458/share-of-drug-induced-abortions-over-time-in-france/
DREES. "Share of Medical (Drug-induced) Voluntary Termination of Pregnancies (Abortions) in France from 2001 to 2021." Statista, Statista Inc., 27 Sep 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400458/share-of-drug-induced-abortions-over-time-in-france/
DREES, Share of medical (drug-induced) voluntary termination of pregnancies (abortions) in France from 2001 to 2021 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400458/share-of-drug-induced-abortions-over-time-in-france/ (last visited December 21, 2024)
Share of medical (drug-induced) voluntary termination of pregnancies (abortions) in France from 2001 to 2021 [Graph], DREES, September 27, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400458/share-of-drug-induced-abortions-over-time-in-france/
