France

French women have had the right to abortion since 1975, two years after the Roe vs. Wade in the United States. Before this, Abortion laws were very stringent during and shortly after occupation of France by the Nazi army. In 1942, abortion was declared a capital offense and would result in the death penalty. After the liberation of France in 1944, the death penalty was revoked, but laws still remained tight.

In the early 1970s, it was estimated that half a million women had abortions in France. In 1975, French law made abortions legal until the 10th week. After 10 weeks, it is up to 2 doctors whether the fetus is endangering the health of the mother. Many women travel to England after 10 weeks of pregnancy to receive an abortion.

In September of 1988, France became the first country to sell RU 486 a.k.a. the abortion pill or the morning after pill. Etienne-Emile Baulieu developed RU 486 or Mifepristone, in the early 1980s. Since its use in 1988, RU 486 has accounted for anywhere from 14-21% of abortions per year.

The French Government has been able to grant women relatively easy access to abortion services without much opposition from pro-life groups. In fact, RU 486 has been available over-the-counter since 1999. Additionally, teenage girls have had access to the pill in their school health offices. Even with the 10-week restriction period, many women feel that RU 486 has made a significant difference in their lives. It allows them to terminate pregnancy more privately. Never the less, the abortion after pill only accounts for about one-fifth of abortions nation wide.

Some French people would like to see tighter laws placed on abortion. But with abortions becoming more commonplace as well as other countries legalizing RU 486, it looks as if the current trend will continue.