GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Detailed explanation-1: -India’s Supreme Court has said that all women, including those not married, could get an abortion up to 24 weeks. The court ruling came on a plea seeking clarity on the amended 2021 abortion law which listed several groups that did not include single women.

Detailed explanation-2: -While abortion remains criminalized in India, the MTP Act created exceptions to criminalization and set forth circumstances under which some abortions could be permitted-such as in cases of rape or fetal anomaly, or for women with disabilities.

Detailed explanation-3: -After a crucial amendment in 2021, for pregnancies up to 20 weeks, termination is allowed under the opinion of one registered medical practitioner. For pregnancies between 20-24 weeks, the Rules attached to the law prescribe certain criteria in terms of who can avail termination.

Detailed explanation-4: -On 29th September, the Supreme Court of India declared abortion is a fundamental right and that all women have the right to safe and legal abortion under the ‘Medical Termination of Pregnancy. ‘

Detailed explanation-5: -If the abortion was conducted without the patient’s permission, the punishment is jail for life. Intentionally causing the death of a foetus can also be prosecuted under other provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 under which the punishment can extend up to 10 years.