Under the MTP (Amendment) Act 2021 (India), medical termination of pregnancy up to 24 weeks gestation is permissible for which category of women requiring ONLY ONE registered medical practitioner's opinion (not two)?
- A Women up to 20 weeks gestation (one RMP), women in special categories up to 24 weeks (two RMPs) ✓
- B All women up to 20 weeks gestation
- C Survivors of sexual assault and rape victims up to 24 weeks
- D Unmarried women up to 24 weeks regardless of reason
Correct answer: A. Women up to 20 weeks gestation (one RMP), women in special categories up to 24 weeks (two RMPs)
Explanation
Under the MTP Amendment Act 2021: up to 20 weeks, one registered medical practitioner's (RMP) opinion suffices. Between 20–24 weeks, two RMPs' opinions are required, but this is applicable to specified categories — survivors of rape/sexual assault, minors, women with physical disabilities (≥ 40%), mentally ill women, foetal anomalies incompatible with life, and women widowed/divorced during pregnancy. The upper gestational limit is 20 weeks for most women and 24 weeks for special categories. Beyond 24 weeks, only foetal anomalies may be considered by a medical board.
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.