The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act 2021 in India extended the upper gestational limit for MTP by a single approved provider from 20 to 24 weeks for which category of women?
- A All women on request up to 24 weeks without additional criteria
- B Rape survivors, differently abled women, minors, and women with foetal malformations ✓
- C Women with heart disease or diabetes only
- D Women with two living children who consent to sterilisation
Correct answer: B. Rape survivors, differently abled women, minors, and women with foetal malformations
Explanation
The MTP Amendment Act 2021 extended the limit from 20 to 24 weeks for specific vulnerable categories: survivors of sexual assault or rape, minors, women with disabilities (as defined by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016), women with change in marital status (widowhood, divorce), and foetal anomalies detected beyond 20 weeks. Beyond 24 weeks, termination is permissible for substantial foetal abnormalities diagnosed by a State-level medical board. Universal access up to 24 weeks was not legislated.
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.