Abortion: India extends MTP deadline from 20 to 24 weeks for certain women
New Delhi: The Centre has increased the medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) deadline from 20 to 24 weeks with some women.
Under the new abortion rules incorporated in the MTP (Amendment) Act of March 2021, the extended gestation limit of terminating a pregnancy (abortion) will apply to mentally ill women, and survivors of sexual assault, rape or incest, as also to women whose marital status changed during pregnancy (widowed/divorced), and physically disabled women.
It will allow abortion in cases of foetal malformation that might subject the child to higher risks like short-life expectancy, mental abnormalities, or physical disabilities since birth.
Earlier, one doctor’s opinion within 12 weeks of conception and of 2 doctors, if conceived between 12-20 weeks, was necessary before initiating the abortion process.
According to the new rules, a state-level medical board will decide whether to end a pregnancy after 24 weeks in case of any apparent anomalies. They can reject the termination within 3 days of receiving the request.
The board will ensure the termination procedure follows all safety procedures and that the hospital conducts counselling sessions within 5 days of receiving and accepting the medical pregnancy termination request.
“Given the advancements in scientific and medical technology, the extended 24- week gestation period should apply to all women and not just their special categories,” Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of the Population Foundation of India (PFI), said.
The proposed state medical boards might create impediments for every woman’s access to abortion services as many women discover they are pregnant at a later stage, she added.
(Avya Mathur)
