Is Abortion Banned In India? Know all About

Abortion isn’t illegal in India. In reality, India is actually among the most developed nations on the planet regarding this issue. However, there are a few restrictions to this whole abortion thing, as stipulated by the MTP Act and its modification.

What Exactly Is the MTP Act?

Most of you may not be aware of this fact, but an abortion performed in India was not legal prior to 1971. It was as a crime according to the Indian Penal Code with the only exception that it was done in order to save the life of the mother only. It was actually quite a severe one.

In 1971, after that it was in the year 1971 that MTP Act was established by the Indian Government that allowed abortions under certain conditions in order to ensure woman’s health and rights.

The law was modified again in 2021 to reflect a more progressive attitude. This amendment in the legislation actually emphasized further on what access to abortion generally meant, and what it included in the women truly in need of the procedure.

Yes, there is it is true that, it’s true that on paper India is actually home to one of most modern abortion laws around the globe.

How Do the Time Limits Work?

It’s true that as per the MTP Act, the concept of pregnancy is divided into three distinct stages and each one is governed by specific rules.

up to 20 weeks

If you want to have an abortion, just one licensed medical professional is required to sign off and then carry out the procedure. It’s a straightforward procedure.

between 20 to 24 weeks

In the first place, two licensed medical professionals must give their approval to the necessity of termination of the pregnancy. There’s no exception to this. Apart from that it limits situations in which pregnant mothers are at risk of being killed or the baby is in grave danger.

In the following 24 weeks

In exceptional circumstances, abortions permitted after 24 weeks. And it is very rare in India. The evidence of a grave pregnancy defect or health risk to the mother needs to be confirmed by the Medical Board, established by the government. It is composed of qualified doctors.