Abortion in French

avortement

(abortion)

If you are looking for how to say “abortion” in French or need the term for medical, legal, or social contexts, here is the correct word and how it is used.

The French word for abortion

The standard word for abortion in French is avortement. It is a masculine noun.

  • un avortement = an abortion

  • l’avortement = abortion (in general)

Example:

  • L’avortement est légal en France.
    (Abortion is legal in France.)

Medical and legal terms

IVG

In medical and legal contexts, abortion is often referred to as IVG, which stands for interruption volontaire de grossesse.

How good is your French?

Take our French language Quiz and test your level now!

Try the quiz now
  • IVG = voluntary termination of pregnancy

  • une IVG = an abortion (official or clinical term)

Example:

  • Elle a eu recours à une IVG.
    (She had an abortion.)

Related phrases

  • clinique d’avortement = abortion clinic

  • droit à l’avortement = right to abortion

  • législation sur l’avortement = abortion laws

  • procédure d’IVG = abortion procedure

  • accès à l’IVG = access to abortion

These terms are commonly used in healthcare, public policy, and social discussions in French-speaking countries.

How good is your French?

Take our French language Quiz and test your level now!

Try the quiz now