MTP (Amendment) Act 2021 UPSC
The new Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act 2021 expands access to safe and legal abortion services on therapeutic, eugenic, humanitarian, and social grounds to ensure universal access to comprehensive care.
MTP ACT 2021 (Amendment of MTP ACT 1971)-Highlights
- Exceeding the upper limit of Termination up to 20-24 weeks (Previously 20 weeks) in case of a rape victim, incest, and substantial fetal anomalies.
- Substantial fetal anomalies will be decided by the medical board of 4 members
1. Pediatric
2. Radiologist
3. Gynecologist
4. Any other number of members notified by the state government. - Maintain the privacy of the patient.
- Up to 20 weeks 1 doctor’s opinion for the termination, 20-24 weeks two doctor’s opinions for termination.
- Replace ‘married woman or her husband’ with ‘woman or her partner’ in case of termination due to failure of contraception.
| MTP Act 1971 | The MTP Amendment Act 2021 | |
| Indications | Only applies to married women | Unmarried women are also covered |
| Gestational Age limit | 20 weeks for all indications | 24 weeks for rape survivors, Beyond 24 weeks for substantial fetal abnormalities |
| Medical practitioner opinions are required before termination | • One RMP till 12 weeks
• Two RMPs till 20 weeks |
• One RMP till 20 weeks
• Two RMPs 20-24 weeks • Medical Board Approval after 24 weeks |
| Breach of the Woman’s confidentiality | Fine upto Rs 1000 | Fine and/or imprisonment of 1 year |
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