Contraception in France : new context, new practices?

Nathalie Bajos, Caroline Moreau, Aline Bohet, Mireille Le Guen

Population and Societies

n° 492, September 2012

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What contraceptive methods are used in France today? Has the new law passed in 2001 to facilitate access to contraception, notably among adolescent girls under 18, and the arrival of new contraceptive methods led to a change in practices? Nathalie Bajos, Aline Bohet, Mireille Le Guen and Carolin Moreau present the initial findings of the Fecond survey.

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In France in 2010, 50% of women aged 15-49 concerned by contraception used the pill. The slight fall in the proportion of pill users since the early 2000s has been offset by the growing use of new hormonal contraception methods (contraceptive implant, patch and vaginal ring), except among the 20-24 age group. Use of the IUD is continuing its slow decline, while condom use is increasing. Only a small minority of women opt for contraceptive
sterilization, which was legalized in 2001. Around 3% of women not wishing to become pregnant do not use any form of contraception. This situation is more frequent among women facing financial difficulties, with a low level of education or living in a rural area.

Contraception in France : new context, new practices?

Population and Societies

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