CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Opinion of only one provider will be required up to 20 weeks of gestation and of two providers for termination of pregnancy of 20-24 weeks of gestation. Upper gestation limit not to apply in cases of substantial foetal abnormalities diagnosed by Medical Board.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2021 is for expanding access of women to safe and legal abortion services on therapeutic, eugenic, humanitarian or social grounds.

Detailed explanation-3: -Under the Act, a pregnancy may be terminated up to 20 weeks by a married woman in the case of failure of contraceptive method or device. It allows unmarried women to also terminate a pregnancy for this reason.

Detailed explanation-4: -In its interim order on the Special Leave Petition dated 21 July 20221, the Supreme Court allowed the woman to terminate her pregnancy by abortion. In the final order dated 29 September 2022, the apex Court laid down the principle of autonomy of every woman in accessing medical termination of her pregnancy.

Detailed explanation-5: -Important provisions of the MTP Amendment Act, 2021. The amendment raised the maximum gestational age at which a woman may obtain a medical abortion from 20 weeks under the MTP Act of 1971 to 24 weeks. However, under this updated upper limit, abortion rights can only be used in certain circumstances.