Medical Termination of Pregnancy (IMG)

Medical termination of pregnancy may be performed in either case following:

• The health of the woman is seriously endangered if the pregnancy continues
• The unborn child has a high probability of being affected by a disease of a particular severity recognized as incurable at the time of diagnosis (examples: fatal diseases in the perinatal period or in the 1^re year of life and diseases resulting in severe disability, sometimes fatal, in children).

Medical termination of pregnancy can be practiced at any time of pregnancy.

The procedure for deciding on medical termination of pregnancy depends on the reason: mother's or child's health.

Medical termination of pregnancy may be practiced if 2 doctors members of a multidisciplinary team attest, after advisory opinion of this team:

• Either the continuation of pregnancy seriously jeopardizes the health of the woman
• There is a high probability that the unborn child will have a condition of a particular severity recognized as incurable at the time of diagnosis.

When the decision to perform a medical termination of pregnancy has been made, the pregnant woman (alone or in a couple) is reviewed in advance by a doctor. This consultation allows to discuss the modalities and consequences of the medical termination of pregnancy.

Yes, an unemancipated minor can request a medical termination of pregnancy.

However, the consent of one of his parents or his legal representative (example: guardian) is collected before the intervention is performed.

If the unemancipated minor wishes keep it a secret, the doctor shall endeavor to obtain his consent for one of his parents or the legal representative to be consulted. If not, he checks that the minor has begun this process.

If this procedure has not been carried out or if consent is not obtained, the person concerned may request that the intervention be carried out. The minor is then accompanied in her approach by an adult of his choice.

Medical termination of pregnancy takes place in the context of hospitalization in a health facility, public or private.

Medical termination of pregnancy can be performed by medication. In case of failure, a surgical technique is considered by the medical team.

Precautions are taken to avoid side effects and risks, both for the health of the mother and for a future pregnancy.

Care is provided to the woman on whom a medical termination of pregnancy has just been practiced: a follow-up both physically and psychologically is proposed.

A consultation is preferably planned with the doctor who performed the intervention.

In particular, it allows:

• To present the results of examinations performed on the fetus
• To take stock of the physical and psychological health of women
• To take stock of the possible risks for a subsequent pregnancy.

For matters related to the civil status and the burial of the child, the parent(s) may be accompanied in these steps by the social worker of the health institution.

In the event of a finding of incapacity for work following a medical termination of pregnancy, a woman shall receive compensation during her leave of absence from work, without waiting period, in contrast to « classic » sick leave.