Medical Termination of Pregnancy — Definition

Definition

Medical Termination of Pregnancy, commonly known as MTP or induced abortion, refers to the intentional ending of a pregnancy before the foetus is viable, meaning before it can survive independently outside the mother's womb.

In India, this procedure is not just a medical act but is strictly governed by the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, which was first enacted in 1971 and subsequently amended in 2002 and 2021.

The core purpose of this Act is to provide safe and legal options for women who need to terminate a pregnancy under specific circumstances, thereby preventing unsafe abortions performed by untrained individuals, which historically led to high rates of maternal complications and deaths.

An MTP can only be performed by a 'Registered Medical Practitioner' (RMP) who possesses specific qualifications and training as defined by the law. The procedure must also be carried out in approved facilities, such as government hospitals or places approved by the government.

The law specifies various grounds under which a pregnancy can be terminated. These include situations where the continuation of the pregnancy would pose a risk to the life of the pregnant woman or cause grave injury to her physical or mental health.

This could be due to existing medical conditions, or the psychological distress caused by an unwanted pregnancy resulting from rape, incest, or contraceptive failure.

Furthermore, MTP is permitted if there is a substantial risk that the child, if born, would suffer from serious physical or mental abnormalities, making it severely handicapped. The gestational age of the pregnancy is a critical factor, with different limits applying based on the reason for termination.

For instance, termination up to 20 weeks generally requires the opinion of one RMP, while termination between 20 and 24 weeks for specific vulnerable categories of women (like survivors of sexual assault, minors, or women with disabilities) requires the opinion of two RMPs.

In cases of substantial foetal abnormalities, the upper gestational limit can be extended beyond 24 weeks, requiring a medical board's opinion. Understanding these legal and medical nuances is crucial for NEET aspirants, as questions often test knowledge of the Act's provisions, gestational limits, and the roles of medical professionals.