Malavikaa G, B.B.A. L.L.B (Hons.), Saveetha School of Law, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University
ABSTRACT
Induced Abortion can be defined as an untimely delivery voluntarily procured with the intent to destroy the foetus. The right of abortion for a woman is a matter of her autonomy over her body and hence is a matter of human right. The right to abortion is not a standalone right and it depends on the existence of several other human rights such as the right to health, right to equality, right to privacy, the right to live free from violence and discrimination. The existence of restrictive abortion practices violates such human rights. Though the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act was amended in 2021, it still suffers from some serious problems such as not considering the fact that most abortions in the rural areas are not performed by doctors but rather the local mid-wives.
Keywords: Abortion, Human Right, Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, Reproductive health, Access to healthcare
