Modern contraceptive methods have diffused almost continuously over the last 30 years in France. The progress of the pill has been masqued during the recent years by the spread of new treatments of perimenopause, while the use of IUD seems to have reached a ceiling. French couples rely now basically on these two methods for their contraception, and sterilisations remain uncommon. The use of pill is highest among younger women, while IUD is at a maximum between 35 and 45 years. Differences by social status are limited, and the number of unplanned births has decreased dramatically. The relatively high number of abortions, however, shows that the situation is not yet fully satisfactory.