Abortion in France 50 years after the Veil Act: Rates and methods that vary across the country

Following the decriminalization of abortion in January 1975 under the Veil Act, the framework of abortion provision in France has evolved considerably. The rules governing elective abortion have been relaxed, with an extension of the legal time limit, the diffusion of medication abortion and a broader range of authorized practitioners. For termination of pregnancy for medical reasons (TPMR), on the other hand, the regulations have become more complex. There are large disparities across the French departments in the frequency of, and the methods used for, elective abortions as well as the ease of access to TPMR.