2024-03-28 07:00:27
The voluntary termination of pregnancy has taken a favorable turn in its management and in the recognition of women’s rights. Here are some explanations and updates regarding abortion.
The different methods of abortion
There are 2 forms of voluntary termination of pregnancy, allowing women faced with an unwanted pregnancy to terminate it. Medical abortion and instrumental abortion are the two methods available, each having its own time limits and procedures. Medical abortion is possible up to 7 weeks of pregnancy and 9 weeks of amenorrhea. While instrumental abortion can be performed until the end of the 14th week of pregnancy or amenorrhea. The decision to opt for one or the other depends on medical recommendations.
For medical abortion, the process is often carried out at home. Mifepristone is administered first, followed closely by a prostaglandin analogue. Bleeding and pain may occur, but are usually relieved with painkillers. A control visit is then scheduled between 14 and 21 days following taking the medication.
Instrumental abortion takes place in a hospital setting, with dilation of the cervix followed by aspiration of the embryo. Prior consultations as well as an anesthesia consultation are necessary to guarantee the safety of the procedure. Complications are rare, but post-operative monitoring is ensured to detect possible problems.
Read also – Abortion or IVG (Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy)
Have recourse to a voluntary termination of pregnancy
IVG requires special support both medically and psychologically. Support is carried out in two stages:
Information time on abortion with a doctor or midwife. During this consultation, the professional examines the patient, informs her regarding the two abortion methods (their advantages and disadvantages), gives her the guide file and issues her a second consultation certificate. During the second consultation, the patient confirms in writing her request for abortion, gives her consent, freely chooses the method of abortion and the location of the procedure. This consultation also makes it possible to screen for sexually transmitted infections at the person’s request.
A psycho-social interview can be carried out between the two consultations. It is carried out by a person qualified in marriage counseling and is offered freely to the patient. But it is compulsory for minors. It provides psychological support for abortion and sometimes helps patients in the case of sexual assault.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult of their choice, an adult close to them or a member of family planning if they wish to keep the secret.
IVG and related costs are covered 100% without advance costs, without any request for payment. At the same time, new information tools have been made available to women since 2015:
An anonymous and free national information number (0800 08 11 11); A website dedicated to abortion (ivg.gouv.fr); An information campaign on abortion to combat erroneous information. Read also – IVG: redesign of the official website for better information
What does the law say regarding abortion in 2024?
Since the Veil law of 1975, legislation on abortion in France has seen significant progress to guarantee freer and safer access to abortion. The 2016 health system modernization law notably removed the one-week reflection period, expanded the local offering and ensured 100% coverage by Health Insurance. More recently, in March 2024, France took a historic step by including in its Constitution the freedom of women to resort to abortion. This event marks the strong commitment to women’s rights and autonomy.
Read also – Soon the free morning following pill for all women!
Written by Camille V.
Sources
– IVG in the Constitution: a “fundamental step” www.temporel.fr. Accessed March 19, 2024.
– Voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion): deadlines and prior consultations. www.ameli.fr. Accessed March 19, 2024.
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