The deadline for resorting to abortion could be reduced from 12 to 14 weeks after its adoption by the National Assembly. This proposed law in favor of lengthening is a step forward for women’s rights.
On October 8, 2020, the National Assembly voted in favor of a bill to extend the period during which it is possible to resort to Voluntary Pregnancy Interruption (IVG). It increases to 14 weeks after the onset of pregnancy. This extension aims to avoid inequalities between those who can have an abortion abroad when the deadline has passed and the others.
As Dr. Mélanie Horoks notes, many women can find themselves out of time, simply because "They are in very diverse situations, but which meant that they could not apply or be taken care of on time." The bill authorizes midwives to perform surgical abortions until the 10th week of pregnancy.
Mélanie Horoks is critical of debates about abortion: "Strangely enough, there are not all these precautions with those who wish to reach the end of their pregnancy, she notes. Yet medically, childbirth is more risky than an abortion. We do not ask a pregnant woman who wants to go until the end of her pregnancy to sign a paper to certify that she understands the risks. "
The bill has yet to be examined by the National Consultative Ethics Committee and passed before the Senate.