Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971
This act is a significant piece of legislation that expands access to safe and legal abortion services in India.
The Act was passed on March 23, 2021, and came into effect on March 25, 2021.
Key changes to the Act:
Increases the upper gestation limit for abortion from 20 weeks to 24 weeks for certain categories of women. including:
Pregnancy with substantial foetal abnormalities
Raped or sexually assaulted
Minors
Women with disabilities
Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971
Removes the requirement for the opinion of a second doctor for abortion beyond 20 weeks of gestation.
Allows pregnant unmarried women to terminate their pregnancies up to 20 weeks of gestation
Provisions to improve access to safe and legal abortion services,
Mandating the establishment of medical boards to approve abortions beyond 24 weeks of gestation.
Ensuring that abortion is covered by insurance.
Protecting the confidentiality of women who have abortions.
Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971
This act is a landmark piece of legislation that has the potential to improve the lives of millions of women in India.
Act will help to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.
Promote reproductive autonomy and justice for women.
The Act has been welcomed by many women's rights groups and public health experts.
Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971
Some oppositions,
Conservative groups arguing that it liberalizes abortion laws too much.
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