Amendment of MTP Act comes into force: Medical Termination of Pregnancy can now be done up to 24 weeks. - (26 Sep 2021)

Law of Medicine

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021 came into force w.e.f 24th September, 2021 bringing a relief to certain categories of women by extending the period of medical termination of pregnancy to 24 weeks. The categories of women that are entitled for such benefit have been defined in MTP Rules.

The object of this Act is to make access to legal and safe abortion services easy for vulnerable women. This Act authorizes only government hospitals and registered medical practitioners to provide such services.

Such a termination of pregnancy, as per this Act, can only be done if it is of not more than 24 weeks, two or more registered medical practitioners are of the opinion to do so and if it is proven that the continuance of the pregnancy might pose mortality risks or grave injury to mental health of the mother. In case it is concluded that the child, if born, would suffer from physical and mental abnormalities, it can be considered for legal abortion as per the above Act.

It is also established in this Act that in case of 20 weeks pregnancy one registered medical practitioner’s opinion will be enough to proceed with the abortion, whereas in case of a 24 weeks pregnancy, two of such practitioners’ opinions will be mandatory.

A Medical Board will be constituted consisting of a gynecologist, a pediatrician, a radiologist or sonologist and any other members, as may be specified by the state government.

The most important and sensitive issue has been addressed in favor of the women concerned. The identity of the woman undergoing the procedure will not be revealed except to authorized personnel. The non compliance of this part of the Act will be considered a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment up to one year and/or fine.

Tags : TERMINATION PREGNANCY EXTENSION 24 WEEKS