Changes in conditions for terminating a pregnancy at different gestational periods ( 2021 Amendment )
|
Time since conception |
Requirement for terminating pregnancy |
|
|
MTP Act, 1971 |
MTP (Amendment) Bill, 2020 |
|
|
Up to 12 weeks |
Advice of one doctor |
Advice of one doctor |
|
12 to 20 weeks |
Advice of two doctors |
Advice of one doctor |
|
20 to 24 weeks |
Not allowed |
Two doctors for some categories of pregnant women |
|
More than 24 weeks |
Not allowed |
Medical Board in case of substantial foetal abnormality |
|
Any time during the pregnancy |
One doctor, if immediately necessary to save pregnant woman's life |
|
|
Pregnancy due to Rape, that exceeds 24-weeks |
The only recourse remains through a Writ Petition |
|
Note: *Doctor refers to registered medical practitioner with experience/training in Gynecology or obstetrics.
Sources: The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020.
- Termination due to failure of
contraceptive method or device: Under the Act a pregnancy may be terminated up to 20 weeks by a
married woman in the case of failure of contraceptive method or device.
The Bill allows unmarried women to also terminate a pregnancy for
this reason.
- Medical Boards: All state and union territory governments
will constitute a Medical Board. The Board will decide if a
pregnancy may be terminated after 24 weeks due to substantial foetal
abnormalities. Each Board will have a Gynecologist, Paediatrician,
radiologist/sonologist, and other members notified by the state
government.
- Privacy: A registered medical practitioner may only reveal the details of a woman whose pregnancy has been terminated to a person authorized by law. Violation is punishable with imprisonment up to a year, a fine, or both.
