Question: What is the new raised upper limit for the termination of pregnancy as per the recently approved by Medical Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill?
(a) 20 weeks
(b) 22 weeks
(c) 24 weeks
(d) 15 weeks
Answer: (c)
Related facts:
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020
- The bill will amend the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.
Salient features of proposed amendments:
- Proposing requirement for opinion of one provider for termination of pregnancy, up to 20 weeks of gestation and introducing the requirement of opinion of two providers for termination of pregnancy of 20-24 weeks of gestation.
- Enhancing the upper gestation limit from 20 to 24 weeks for special categories of women which will be defined in the amendments to the MTP Rules and would include ‘vulnerable women including survivors of rape, victims of incest and other vulnerable women (like differently-abled women, Minors) etc.
- Upper gestation limit not to apply in cases of substantial foetal abnormalities diagnosed by Medical Board. The composition, functions and other details of Medical Board to be prescribed subsequently in Rules under the Act.
- Name and other particulars of a woman whose pregnancy has been terminated shall not be revealed except to a person authorised in any law for the time being in force.