Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (India), as amended in 2021, up to which gestational age can a registered medical practitioner terminate a pregnancy for a survivor of sexual assault or rape without requiring a second doctor's opinion?
- A Up to 24 weeks ✓
- B Up to 12 weeks
- C Up to 20 weeks
- D Up to 28 weeks
Explanation
The MTP (Amendment) Act 2021 extended the upper gestational limit from 20 weeks to 24 weeks for specific categories, including survivors of rape/sexual assault, minors, women with disability, and women in emergency situations — requiring the opinion of two registered medical practitioners (RMPs) for 20–24 weeks. For up to 20 weeks, the opinion of ONE RMP suffices. Beyond 24 weeks, termination is permitted only for substantial fetal abnormalities recommended by a State-level Medical Board. The 2021 amendment also included the category of 'woman or her partner' (not limiting to married women).
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.