Centre approves termination of pregnancy upto 24 weeks for certain categories of women
New Delhi, October 13, 2021:
The central government has notified a new rule in which the maximum limit for termination of pregnancy has been increased from 20 to 24 weeks for certain categories of women. Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Rules (Amendments), 2021, this category includes survivors of sexual violence or rape or incest, minors and women whose marital status changes during ongoing pregnancy (widows and divorce), and women with physical disabilities. The new rules also cover mentally ill women, cases of fetal malformations that have a high risk of being incompatible with life or if a child is born he may suffer from physical or mental disorders resulting in severe disability and pregnant women in humanitarian contexts or disasters or emergencies stipulated by the government. The new rules are under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (Amendments), 2021 passed by Parliament in March. Previously, abortions required a doctor's advice if performed within 12 weeks of conception and two doctors if performed between 12 and 20 weeks. Under the new rules, a state medical board will be set up to decide whether a pregnancy can be terminated after 24 weeks if a fetal malformation occurs and if the fetal malformation poses a major risk of being incompatible with life or if the baby is born. may suffer from such physical or mental disorders as to be severely disabled. (Source: The Hindu)