Under India's Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Amendment Act 2021, which of the following is CORRECT regarding termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks?
- A MTP is permissible up to 24 weeks for all women without special conditions
- B MTP up to 24 weeks requires opinion of two registered medical practitioners and applies to specific categories including rape survivors and minors ✓
- C MTP beyond 20 weeks requires a Medical Board only for fetal anomalies with no gestational limit
- D MTP is not permitted beyond 20 weeks under any circumstances
Correct answer: B. MTP up to 24 weeks requires opinion of two registered medical practitioners and applies to specific categories including rape survivors and minors
Explanation
The MTP Amendment Act 2021 extended the upper gestational limit from 20 to 24 weeks for specific vulnerable categories (survivors of sexual assault or rape, minors, change in marital status—widowhood or divorce, women with disabilities, and fetal anomalies). For these categories, the opinion of two registered medical practitioners is required. Beyond 24 weeks, termination for substantial fetal abnormalities incompatible with life can be approved by a State Medical Board under the Act.
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.