A 19-year-old presents with 10 weeks of amenorrhoea and ultrasound showing an intrauterine pregnancy with fetal cardiac activity. Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act 2021 (India), up to what gestational age can a registered medical practitioner (single doctor) legally terminate the pregnancy in this unmarried woman under what clause?

• A Up to 20 weeks — single doctor opinion required
• B Up to 24 weeks — single doctor opinion required under 'failure of contraception' clause for any woman
• C Up to 24 weeks — she qualifies under the unmarried/partner categories added in 2021 Amendment with single doctor opinion ✓
• D Up to 20 weeks — two-doctor opinion required as she is unmarried

Explanation

The MTP Amendment Act 2021 expanded the upper gestational limit for termination to 24 weeks for special categories of women (previously 20 weeks): survivors of sexual assault/rape, minors, women with mental illness, disabled women, women with change in marital status (widowhood, divorce), and — importantly — unmarried women or those whose relationships change. A single registered medical practitioner opinion suffices up to 20 weeks (previously 12 weeks). Between 20–24 weeks, two RMP opinions are required for the special categories. However, for up to 20 weeks any single RMP can legally terminate for any woman. Since she is ≤20 weeks, single RMP opinion suffices; the 2021 amendment also added unmarried women to the 24-week special category.

Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.