Abortion Law in India in the light of Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021
Amar Singh, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow.
ABSTRACT
In India, abortions are regulated by The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971. The Act was considered progressive at the time of its introduction as it tackled the problem of unsafe abortions in the country. However, its provisions were not sufficient to keep up with changing needs of the society. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021 was introduced to upgrade the framework for medical termination of pregnancy. But after a thorough analysis, it becomes clear that it misses the mark to take into account the social, economic and legal developments of the country, as a result of which, the changes it seeks to bring will not be beneficial for most of its stakeholders.
This article throws light on the concerns with the existing provisions and the Amendment Act. It also suggests possible solutions to those issues which can be adopted to ensure affordable access to safe abortion as a right.
Keywords: Women’s right of abortion, Medical termination of pregnancy, MTP Amendment Act, Limitations, Suggestions.
