How did the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021 extend the legal abortion framework in India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Answer: Increased gestational limit for termination to 24 weeks for special cases
Explanation: The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021 expanded India’s abortion framework by increasing the upper gestational limit from 20 weeks to 24 weeks for certain categories of women (such as rape survivors, minors, and other vulnerable groups). This made access to safe and legal abortion more inclusive and responsive to real-life circumstances.
Additional Key Facts:
For pregnancies up to 20 weeks, opinion of one registered medical practitioner is required.
For 20–24 weeks, opinion of two medical practitioners is needed.
Beyond 24 weeks, termination is allowed only in cases of substantial fetal abnormalities, as approved by a Medical Board.
The amendment also ensures confidentiality of the woman’s identity.
It replaced the earlier more restrictive provisions of the MTP Act, 1971.
Potential Exam-Oriented Questions & Answers:
Question: How many doctors’ opinions are required for abortion between 20–24 weeks?
Answer: Two doctors.
Question: What is a key feature added regarding privacy?
Answer: Confidentiality of the woman’s identity.