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.
