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Chapter-111 Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act and Rules
Chapter-111 Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act and Rules
Introduction:
The medical termination of pregnancy act (MTP Act) is linked with abortion practices. It
has been recently amended in the year 2020 and has been in effect since 1971. According to
the amendment, the period within which abortion can be done has been increased.
The abortion can now be done within the period of 20 to 24 weeks. As per the rules under
the act of “medical termination of pregnancy” the consent of the women which is considered
to be of utmost priority.
However, in case the pregnancy happens to a girl who is below 18 years of age, in that case
the guardians hold the right to decide about aborting the child.
This law has the objective of protecting the interest of girl children within the society and
also giving priority to the opinion of a would-be mother.
Definition:
Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) is a legalized method of termination of pregnancy,
intentionally, before its full term. It is also known as induced abortion or intentional or voluntary
termination of pregnancy.
Objectives:
1. To prevent large number of unsafe abortions and subsequent high incident of maternal
mortality and morbidity by improving maternal health scenario.
4. To provide protection to medical practitioners who otherwise would be penalized under the
Indian Panel Code section 315-316.
Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act and Rules – basic understanding:
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (MTP Act) is a legislation enacted by the Indian
Parliament in 1971, which allows women to terminate a pregnancy under certain conditions.
The act permits the termination of pregnancy up to 20 weeks of gestation, but beyond that, it
requires the approval of a medical board.
The MTP Act also lays down certain conditions that need to be fulfilled for the termination of
pregnancy. These include:
1. Consent: The woman's consent is mandatory for the termination of pregnancy.
2. Reason: The termination of pregnancy must be carried out for reasons such as the woman's
health, her life, contraceptive failure, or rape.
3. Medical Practitioner: The termination must be performed by a registered medical
practitioner.
4. Place: The termination must be carried out in a registered medical facility.
5. Time: The termination can only be performed within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy,
beyond that, it requires the approval of a medical board.
The MTP Act also lays down guidelines for the establishment of medical facilities for the
termination of pregnancy, training and qualification of medical practitioners, and the procedure
for the approval of medical boards.
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