What is in news : The government has notified new rules under which the gestational limit for termination of a pregnancy has been increased from 20 to 24 weeks for certain categories of women under newly amended Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021

Details :

• Seven specific categories will be eligible for termination of pregnancy up to 24 weeks:
  • Survivors of sexual assault or rape or incest
  • Minors
  • Change of marital status during the ongoing pregnancy (widowhood and divorce)
  • Women with physical disabilities
  • Mentally ill women
  • Foetal malformation that has a substantial risk of being incompatible with life or if the child is born, he/ she may suffer from serious physical or mental abnormalities
  • Women with pregnancy in humanitarian settings or disaster or emergency situations.
• Earlier, abortion required the opinion of one doctor if done within 12 weeks of conception and two doctors if done between 12 and 20 weeks. According to the new rules, a state-level medical board will be set up to decide if a pregnancy may be terminated beyond this period