Abortion rates keep rising in France, with notable regional gaps

According to a study released by the Drees, the number of voluntary abortions in France grew again in 2025, bringing the national rate to 17.8 per 1,000 women aged 15 to 49, up by 0.5 points from 2024. The increase follows a decline during the Covid pandemic and has been observed across all age groups since 2022, with the highest incidence among women aged 20-24 and 25-29. Regional disparities are stark: the overseas territories record a rate about twice the national average, and within mainland France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur shows double the rate of Pays de la Loire.

The study also notes a shift in how abortions are performed: only about half now occur in health facilities, while medical abortions account for four-fifths of cases, and the share carried out by independent midwives rose by 15% year-on-year, reaching one in four procedures. Feminist groups plan a demonstration in Paris on 28 September to defend abortion rights.