According to the Drees (Directorate of Research, Studies, Evaluation and Statistics), the use of voluntary termination of pregnancy has continued to rise in France since 2022, with significant variations across different regions. The medical method is now by far the most common, accounting for four out of five abortions.
In 2025, 259,416 abortions were performed, 7,219 more than in 2024. The rate reached 17.8 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15 to 49. After the decline observed during the Covid period, the increase now affects all age groups. Women aged 20 to 24 and 25 to 29 remain the most affected, with nearly 30 abortions per 1,000 women.
Geographical disparities remain significant: the rate is twice as high in the French overseas territories as in mainland France, and twice as high in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region as in the Pays de la Loire region.
The practice has changed dramatically in the last twenty years. While in 2004 all abortions were performed in healthcare facilities, this is now only the case for 53%. The medical abortion method, a minority in the early 2000s, now accounts for 81% of procedures.
Another notable development is the rise of independent midwives, who have been authorized to perform abortions since 2016. Their activity increased by another 15% in 2025 and now accounts for one in four abortions.
 Sophie de Duiéry
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23/09/2026 | 
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