Évolution du recours à l'IVG en France: De l'enjeu contraceptif à la modification de la norme procréative

Based on the sociological and epidemiological findings from research conducted in the last few years in France, this paper questions the relative stability of abortion in the context of a large diffusion of modern contraception. This apparent paradox is explained by dual trends: contraception has on the one hand resulted in the reduction of unintended pregnancies, but in case of an unintended pregnancy, women are more likely to terminate the pregnancy than 30 years ago. These results reflect changes in both women's relationship and professional trajectories, which translates in a delay in childbearing. Modern contraception, which has allowed women (and couples) to decide on the best time to have children, has profoundly modified reproductive norms, i.e socially defined good conditions to welcoming a child, which prevailed in the 1970s. In case of a contraceptive failure, many women would respect the prevailing reproductive norm and have an abortion, if they do not wish to become a mother at a young age or if the good conditions to welcoming a child are not present.