Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act 2021 in India, termination of pregnancy up to 24 weeks is permitted for which category of women without requiring two registered medical practitioners?
- A Rape survivors and other specified vulnerable categories up to 24 weeks — one RMP required ✓
- B Women with a foetal anomaly incompatible with life at any gestational age — requires only one RMP
- C All women up to 24 weeks on request with one RMP
- D Married women only up to 20 weeks with one RMP
Correct answer: A. Rape survivors and other specified vulnerable categories up to 24 weeks — one RMP required
Explanation
The MTP Amendment Act 2021 extended the upper limit from 20 to 24 weeks for specific categories including rape survivors, victims of incest, minors, differently-abled women, and women with change in marital status — these women need only one registered medical practitioner (RMP). Beyond 24 weeks, termination is permitted only for substantial foetal abnormalities detected by a State-level Medical Board. The old act required two RMPs for 12–20 weeks; the amendment requires one RMP up to 24 weeks for the specified vulnerable categories.
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.