Changes in conditions for terminating a pregnancy at different gestational periods

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.