Can I have an abortion (IVG) and within what deadline?
Yes, it's a guaranteed right. Abortion (IVG) is a right in France, now enshrined in the Constitution. The legal deadline depends on the method: the instrumental (surgical) abortion can be done up to the end of the 14th week of pregnancy (i.e. 16 weeks of amenorrhoea), and the medical abortion up to the end of the 7th week of pregnancy (9 weeks of amenorrhoea). Since the March 2022 law, there's no mandatory reflection period. Abortion is 100% covered by health insurance, with no upfront cost. A minor can access it without parental authorisation, accompanied by a referring adult.
📋 The rules
- Instrumental abortion: up to 14 weeks of pregnancy (16 WA)
- Medical abortion: up to 7 weeks of pregnancy (9 WA)
- No mandatory reflection period (since 2022)
- Covered at 100%, no upfront cost
- Minor: possible without parental authorisation (referring adult)
🔓 Exceptions
- Medical termination (IMG): no deadline, for a serious medical reason
- Beyond the legal deadline: possibility to have the abortion abroad (info from centres)
- Anonymous and confidential abortion, notably for minors
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Abortion within the legal framework is a right: no sanction. By contrast, obstructing access to abortion (the 'obstruction offence', including online) is punished by 2 years in prison and a €30,000 fine. Medical secrecy and confidentiality are guaranteed, especially for minors. To get information or guidance, the national Sexuality, contraception, abortion line (0 800 08 11 11) is anonymous and free.
📎 Official sources
- ivg.gouv.fr · What deadlines to have an abortion? →
- Ameli.fr · Abortion: deadlines and consultations →
- Service-Public.fr · Voluntary termination of pregnancy →
❓ Frequently asked
What's the legal deadline for an abortion?
14 weeks of pregnancy (16 weeks of amenorrhoea) for an instrumental abortion, and 7 weeks of pregnancy (9 weeks of amenorrhoea) for a medical abortion. The surgical-abortion deadline rose from 12 to 14 weeks in 2022.
Is there a reflection period?
No, not since the March 2022 law. The one-week reflection period was removed. You can confirm your abortion request without waiting, after the medical information consultation.
Is abortion reimbursed?
Yes, 100% by health insurance, with no upfront cost. The whole path (consultations, procedure, tests) is covered. Abortion is free and can be done confidentially.
Can a minor have an abortion without her parents?
Yes. A minor can have an abortion without parental authorisation, provided she's accompanied by a referring adult of her choice. The process is anonymous, confidential and free for minors.
What if the deadline is exceeded?
Beyond the French legal deadline, centres and the national information line can guide you to an abortion in a country with a longer deadline. Medical termination (IMG) stays possible with no limit for a serious medical reason.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “abortion deadline 14 weeks”
- “medical abortion deadline 7 weeks”
- “abortion reimbursement 100”
- “minor abortion without parents”
- “abortion reflection period removed”
- “abortion right france”