Latest Court Verdicts
Supreme Court (SC) upholds rights of an Unborn child
- The SC had turned down the plea of a pregnant woman seeking termination of her 27-week-old pregnancy as the foetus was viable as per the medical board reports and poses no threat to the life of the women.
- The ruling upheld the provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act (MTPA), 2021 as there are no provisions for the termination of a viable foetus after 24 weeks.
Key Provisions of MTPA 2021
- Duration of Pregnancy Procedure for Termination
- Up to 20 weeks – Available to all women on the advice of one doctor
- 20-24 Weeks – The right to seek abortion is determined by two registered medical practitioners under certain categories which include survivors of sexual assault or rape; minors, women with disabilities; or change in marital status during pregnancy etc.
- Beyond 24 weeks – Available only on the grounds of foetal abnormalities based on the advice of a medical board.
Note
- All state/ UTs are mandated to constitute a Medical Board consisting of gynaecologists, paediatrician, etc.
