France, Sept. 28 -- In its survey, published on Monday for International Safe Abortion Day, Le Planning Familial (MFPF) found that a lack of trained professionals and shortages of doctors were pushing waiting times beyond France's legal period of five days.

Three out of four women who had an abortion in a health facility in 2026 waited more than seven days for an appointment, compared with 54 percent in 2024.

The right to abortion was formally enshrined in the French Constitution on 8 March 2024.

MFPF referred to "pathways full of obstacles", including refusals of support, pressure and a lack of choice over the method of abortion.

One in two women said a professional had refused to support them during the procedure, compared with 27 p...