Performed by a doctor or a midwife, in a health establishment or at home, medical abortion does not require anesthesia or surgery. But it must take place no later than 9 weeks after the start of the last period. Its cost is fully covered. Its success rate is around 95%.

Medicated abortion is performed until the end of the 5th week of pregnancy (7 weeks after the start of the last period) in a city office, a family planning or education center or a health center.

This deadline can be extended up to 7 weeks of pregnancy (9 weeks after the start of the last period) in the case of care in a health establishment (hospital, clinic). A specific drug protocol is then put in place.

It is important to get informed as soon as possible. Some establishments are overcrowded and the time to make an appointment can be very long.

After an information meeting that has made it possible to determine that the medical abortion was the most suitable protocol, a consent form must be given to the doctor or midwife.

The first medication intended to block pregnancy, mifepristone, is taken at their office. More or less severe bleeding may occur, but this does not mean that the pregnancy has stopped. Taking a second drug, misoprostol, is therefore essential. It must be done between 36h and 48h after taking the first tablet, either at home or during a new consultation. Misoprostol causes uterine contractions, the pain of which can be reduced with the prescription of painkillers. Bleeding also occurs which can last up to a fortnight.

A check-up is scheduled between the 14th and 21st day following the abortion. It ensures that the pregnancy is terminated and that there are no complications. It is also an opportunity to take stock of contraception.

Note: a rhesus negative blood group requires an injection of anti-D gamma-globulins to avoid complications during a future pregnancy.

Pelvic pain relieved by taking analgesics, bleeding and / or digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) may occur immediately after the abortion.

In the following days may also occur fever (over 38 °), very profuse blood loss, very strong abdominal pain, malaise. It is then necessary to contact the health professional who took care of the abortion because these symptoms can be the sign of a complication.

The law allows any pregnant woman who does not want to continue a pregnancy to ask a doctor or a midwife to interrupt her, even if it is a minor.

Minors can request consent from one of their parents or their legal representative and thus be accompanied by one of these relatives in the abortion process.

Without the consent of one of their parents or their legal representative, minors must be accompanied in their process by the adult of their choice. In all cases, it is possible for them to request to benefit from total anonymity.

Optional for adults, the psychosocial consultation prior to abortion is compulsory for minors.

Unemancipated underage girls without parental consent benefit from a total advance fee waiver.

By calling 0800 08 11 11. This anonymous and free number was set up by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health to answer questions about abortion but also contraception and sexuality. It is accessible on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 22 p.m. and from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 20 p.m.

By going to a family planning or education center or to family information, consultation and counseling establishments. The ivg.social-sante.gouv.fr site lists their addresses department by department.

By going to sites offering reliable information:

• ivg.social-sante.gouv.fr
• ivglesadresses.org
• planning-familial.org
• avortementancic.net