The Indian MTP Amendment Act 2021 extended the upper gestational limit for abortion from 20 to 24 weeks for specific categories of women. Which category is specifically included in the 20–24-week window under this amendment?
- A Any woman upon request without stated reason
- B Survivors of sexual assault, rape, or incest and minors ✓
- C Women above 40 years of age
- D Women who had a previous stillbirth
Explanation
The MTP Amendment Act 2021 extended the upper limit to 24 weeks for specific categories: (1) survivors of rape or sexual assault; (2) minors; (3) change in marital status during pregnancy (widowhood, divorce); (4) differently-abled women; (5) women with fetal anomalies detected late in pregnancy. This requires approval from two registered medical practitioners (RMPs). Beyond 24 weeks, termination for substantial fetal anomalies is possible only with Medical Board approval at State-designated centers. The amendment also includes the landmark provision of allowing single women (unmarried) access to abortion up to 24 weeks, removing the previous restriction to married women. This aligns with the Supreme Court's X v. Union of India ruling extending equal rights.
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.