Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act 2021 (India), what is the gestational age limit for termination requiring opinion of only ONE registered medical practitioner for a survivor of sexual assault or rape?

• A Up to 20 weeks with one RMP opinion
• B Up to 24 weeks with one RMP opinion
• C Up to 24 weeks with two RMP opinions for rape survivors ✓
• D Up to 20 weeks; 24 weeks requires two RMP opinions for rape survivors

Explanation

The MTP Amendment Act 2021 extends the upper gestation limit from 20 to 24 weeks for specific categories including survivors of sexual assault, rape, or incest; minors; women whose marital status has changed (widowhood/divorce); women with disabilities; and mentally ill women. However, termination at 20–24 weeks requires opinion of TWO registered medical practitioners (not one). Only up to 20 weeks can be done with one RMP. Beyond 24 weeks, termination for substantial fetal abnormality detected at any gestational age is permitted after approval by a state-level Medical Board. This is a critical legal update tested frequently in NEET PG.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.