France abortion rates rise to over 259,000 in 2025

Data released by the Direction of Research, Studies, Evaluation and Statistics (Drees) shows that the number of voluntary terminations of pregnancy (IVG) in France continued to rise in 2025. A total of 259,416 procedures were recorded, an increase of 7,219 compared to the previous year.

The rate of recourse has reached 17.8 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15 to 49, a 0.5 point increase from 2024. This upward trend has been consistent since 2022, following a decline during the Covid-19 pandemic. The highest rates are observed among women aged 25 to 29 (30.3 per 1,000) and those aged 20 to 24 (29.7 per 1,000).

Significant geographic disparities exist, with the rate in overseas territories being twice as high as in mainland France. Within the mainland, the rate in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region is double that of the Pays de la Loire region.

Methods of performing abortions have shifted significantly over the last two decades. While all procedures took place in health establishments in 2004, only 53% do so in 2025. Medical abortion has become the dominant method, used in 81% of cases compared to 31% in 2001. Additionally, the use of private midwives has grown by 15% since 2024, now accounting for one in four procedures.