France unveils 2026-2030 sexual health roadmap

The French Ministry of Health, Families, Autonomy and People with Disabilities has released a new 2026-2030 roadmap for sexual health. The plan outlines 22 specific actions designed to strengthen prevention and improve access to rights and medical care.

A major priority of the roadmap is the improvement of access to voluntary interruption of pregnancy (IVG). Proposed measures include easing conditions for performing abortions outside of authorized gynecological or surgical establishments, modernizing reimbursement rates, and supporting health centers in providing instrumental abortions. By 2027, the government aims to begin work on allowing the direct dispensing of abortifacient medications in pharmacies.

Other objectives include combating sexual health misinformation through national information campaigns and continuing to expand access to HIV and STI testing. The roadmap builds upon previous advancements, such as the constitutional inclusion of abortion rights and the expansion of midwife competencies in reproductive care.