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France records record 259,400 abortions in 2025
France recorded a record 259,400 abortions in 2025, representing a 2.9% increase from 2024, according to data from the Direction de la recherche, des études, de l’évaluation et des statistiques (Drees).
The abortion rate has reached 17.8 per 1,000 women aged 15 to 49. This upward trend has been observed since 2018, following a brief decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase affects all age groups, including those under 25.
There has been a significant shift in how these procedures are conducted. In 2025, 81% of abortions were medical procedures, and only 53% took place in healthcare facilities. This marks a major change from 2004, when all abortions were performed in medical establishments. Consequently, half of all abortions are now performed outside of hospitals, often in private practices, health centers, or sexual health centers. Midwives played a prominent role in this shift, performing 59,680 abortions in private practices.
Entities
Direction de la recherche, des études, de l’évaluation et des statistiques · France · Simone Veil
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] France recorded 259,400 abortions in 2025. www.bienpublic.com · es.aleteia.org · www.estrepublicain.fr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Only 53% of abortions were performed in healthcare facilities in 2025. www.bienpublic.com · www.estrepublicain.fr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The number of abortions in 2025 increased by 2.9% compared to 2024. www.bienpublic.com · es.aleteia.org · www.estrepublicain.fr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The abortion rate reached 17.8 per 1,000 women aged 15 to 49 in 2025. www.bienpublic.com · es.aleteia.org · www.estrepublicain.fr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Medical abortions accounted for 81% of all abortions in 2025. www.bienpublic.com · www.estrepublicain.fr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Midwives performed 59,680 abortions in private practices. www.bienpublic.com · www.estrepublicain.fr