France: Difference between revisions

In France, abortion, or "“Interruption Volontaire de Grossesse” (IVG), is legal for up to 14 weeks after pregnancy (i.e. week 12 of gestation, week 14 after first day of last menstrual period). During this period, all reasons for an abortion are accepted, including to save the life of the woman, to preserve physical health, to preserve mental health, rape or incest, risk of fetal impairment, economic or social reasons, or available on request. However, there are certain protocols to follow. Before a voluntary abortion, women are advised to seek counseling. If they are non-emancipated minors, they are required to seek counseling. During this consultation, women will meet with a person who "has satisfied qualified training as a marriage counselor or any other qualified person in a facility for information, consultation, or family counseling, a center for planning or family education, a social service, or another approved organization." Once the consultation is complete, women will receive a certificate of counseling. If minors wish to keep this consultation confidential or not share this information with their parents, they may choose any adult to serve as a referral.<ref>[http://worldabortionlaws.com/map/ World Abortion Laws: France]</ref>

As stated in the law, "If, after the consultations provided for in articles L. 2212-3 and L. 2212-4, the woman renews her request for a termination of pregnancy, the physician must request a written confirmation from her; he may only accept this confirmation after the expiration of a week following the first request of the woman, except when the term of twelve weeks risks being passed. This confirmation can only occur after the expiration of a delay of two days following the discussion provided for in article L. 2212-4; this delay may be included in that of the week provided for above."<ref>[http://worldabortionlaws.com/map/ World Abortion Laws: France]</ref>

In terms of facilities and physicians, physicians are not required to perform voluntary abortions. However, if they refuse to offer services, they must inform prospective patients of facilities/physicians that will perform abortions. Note that abortions may only take place in health facilities, public hospitals or private hospitals. The only exception is if an agreement has been made between the practitioner or a center for family education, family planning or a health center, and legal facilities will be determined by the State Council.<ref>[http://worldabortionlaws.com/map/ World Abortion Laws: France]</ref>