The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment), 2021 received the assent of the President on the 25^th March, 2021. The Act regulates the conditions under which a pregnancy may be aborted.

It amended the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 which provides for the termination of certain pregnancies by registered medical practitioners.

• Termination of pregnancy: It amends the provision on termination of pregnancy. A pregnancy may be terminated within 20 weeks, with the opinion of a registered medical practitioner.
• Approval of two registered medical practitioners will be required for termination of pregnancies between 20 to 24 weeks.
• The termination of pregnancy up to 24 weeks will only apply to specific categories of women, as may be prescribed by the central government. The central government will notify the norms for the medical practitioner whose opinion is required for termination of the pregnancy.
• Constitution of a Medical Board: Upper limit of termination of pregnancy will not apply in cases where termination of pregnancy is necessary due to the diagnosis of substantial foetal abnormalities, which will be diagnosed by a Medical board.
• Every state government is required to constitute a Medical Board. The central government will notify the powers and functions of these Medical Boards.
• Protection of privacy of a woman: No registered medical practitioner will be allowed to reveal the name and other particulars of a woman whose pregnancy has been terminated. Contravention of this provision will attract a punishment of 1 year.