SC Allows Abortion of 30-Week Foetus

• 27 Apr 2024

Source: IE

The Supreme Court of India allowed a minor sexual assault victim to terminate her pregnancy at nearly 30 weeks, citing exceptional circumstances to protect her well-being.

• The MTP Act, 1971, amended in 2021 provides guidelines for terminating pregnancies under specific circumstances:

• Article 21 of the Indian Constitution protects reproductive choices as part of personal liberty.
  • However, India's abortion laws are being questioned due to changes granting more authority to doctors after 20 weeks, favoring women's autonomy but raising debates about the rights of the unborn.

Read more: Abortion