Yes, abortion is legal in India under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971. However, it is not on-demand ā abortion is permitted under specific medical and social conditions and must be performed by a registered medical practitioner in an approved facility. The MTP Amendment Act 2021 extended the upper gestational limit from 20 weeks to 24 weeks for special categories of women.
Abortion is legal in India under the MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) Act, 1971.
Not on-demand ā specific medical/social conditions required.
Up to 20 weeks: one doctor's opinion; 20ā24 weeks: two doctors' opinions (special categories only).
MTP Amendment Act 2021 extended the limit to 24 weeks for special categories.
Special categories for 20ā24 weeks: rape survivors, minors, women with disabilities, fetal abnormalities, etc.
Beyond 24 weeks: only for substantial fetal abnormalities, decided by a State Medical Board.
Sex-selective abortion is strictly prohibited under the PC-PNDT Act, 1994.
Unmarried women are also entitled to abortion under the 2021 amendment (contraceptive failure).
Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971:
Under the original MTP Act (1971): ā¢ Up to 12 weeks: One doctor's opinion required ā¢ 12 to 20 weeks: Two doctors' opinions required ā¢ Grounds for termination: ā Risk to the life/physical or mental health of the pregnant woman ā Pregnancy caused by rape or failure of contraception ā Substantial risk of fetal abnormality
MTP Amendment Act 2021 ā Key Changes: ā¢ Up to 20 weeks: One Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) opinion (was always 1 for first 12 weeks) ā¢ 20 to 24 weeks: Two RMPs' opinion ā but ONLY for these special categories:
Key principle: Abortion must be performed by a registered medical practitioner at a government hospital or private facility approved by the government.
Who can seek abortion in India: ā¢ Any woman whose pregnancy meets the grounds under MTP Act ā¢ Married OR unmarried women ā the 2021 amendment extended rights to unmarried women by allowing contraceptive failure as a ground (previously only for married women)
Consent requirements: ā¢ Women above 18: Their own written consent is sufficient ā¢ Women below 18 (minors): Consent of a guardian is required ā¢ Women who are mentally ill: Guardian consent required
Confidentiality: ā¢ No doctor can reveal the details of any abortion to any person except as required by law
Where abortion can be performed: ā¢ Government hospitals ā¢ Private clinics/hospitals approved and certified by the government under MTP Rules
What is NOT allowed: ā¢ Sex-selective abortion ā explicitly prohibited under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act, 1994 ā¢ Abortion beyond permitted limits without Medical Board approval
Safe abortion services: ā¢ The government provides safe abortion services at CHCs (Community Health Centres) and district hospitals ā¢ Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-Biodegradable Sanitary Napkins are available at sub-centres
Yes, abortion is legal in India under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971. It is not on-demand but is permitted under specific conditions ā including risk to the woman's life or health, pregnancy due to rape, contraceptive failure, or fetal abnormalities. The MTP Amendment Act 2021 extended the gestational limit to 24 weeks for special categories.
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971, is the Indian law that governs abortion. It sets the conditions under which a pregnancy can be terminated, the gestational limits (up to 24 weeks for special categories, as per the 2021 amendment), and the medical requirements (registered medical practitioner, approved facility). The law was amended in 2021 to include unmarried women and extend limits for vulnerable categories.
Under the MTP Amendment Act 2021: Up to 20 weeks with one doctor's opinion for any woman meeting the grounds. Up to 24 weeks with two doctors' opinions for special categories (rape survivors, minors, women with disabilities, fetal abnormalities, etc.). Beyond 24 weeks: only for substantial fetal abnormalities ā approved by a State Medical Board.
Yes. The MTP Amendment Act 2021 extended abortion rights to unmarried women. The amendment allows contraceptive failure as a ground for termination for all women ā married or unmarried. Previously, the MTP Act only recognised contraceptive failure as a ground for married women.
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