Medical Termination Of Pregnancy - Before And After Amendment 2021

Harshmita Sharma, SOA National Institute of Law, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

ABSTRACT

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act limits pregnancy termination to 20 weeks unless it is suddenly necessary to preserve the pregnant woman's life. However, in rare exceptional circumstances, judgements in favour of termination have been rendered even after the specified time limit had passed. Unwanted pregnancy, particularly if the result of rape, victims of incest is regarded as a social disgrace all over the world, yet the physical and mental anguish endured by the woman in prolonging the pregnancy is sometimes neglected. To some extent, relief from such a burden is feasible if pregnancy termination is conducted in all circumstances when continuation is not requested or intended by the pregnant lady.

Keywords: pregnancy, abortion, illegal abortion, MTP Act, unmarried women, women’s right