28th September 2023 - World Safe Abortion Day

Sep 28, 2023 - 15:36
28th September 2023 - World Safe Abortion Day

INTRODUCTION

The government of India has legalised abortion way back in 1971 with strict conditions & rules to prevent its misuse (MTP ACT 1971) and prevent illegal female foeticide. In Spite of abortion usually legal 60-70% of abortion in India is still unsafe ie. done by the wrong person and place. Women end up with life threatening complications like bleeding & infection (sepsis). So it is important that we have to be aware of it.

 

1)  WHAT IS MTP?

Medical termination of Pregnancy (MTP) is a procedure to end a      pregnancy. It can be done by taking medication or surgically.

 

2) WHAT ARE THE METHODS OF MTP?

MEDICAL ABORTION - is a procedure where medication is used to terminate a pregnancy,

It can be performed till the month, week of pregnancy. But the chances of incomplete abortion & bleeding is more after 7 weeks,

 

SURGICAL ABORTION - By a procedure called suction evacuation under local or general anaesthesia.

 

3) CAN A WOMAN DEMAND A TERMINATION?

Voluntary terminating a pregnancy is a criminal offence. The MTP Act 1971 authorises a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) to terminate a pregnancy under certain grounds (less than 20 weeks).

● To save the life of the mother.
● To prevent physical or mental injury to the mother when the baby has congenital or incompatible life or will be secondary handicapped.
● Pregnancy is due to rape - contraceptive failure.

 

4) TILL WHAT GESTATIONAL AGE CAN BE PREGNANCY BE TERMINATED?

● Till 24 weeks by the MTP (Amendement) Act 197.
● After 24 weeks only babies with congenital abnormalities which are incompatible with life can be terminated.
● This is done by the DECISION OF THE MEDICAL BOARD.

 

From 20-24 weeks- pregnancy can be terminated under squeal circumstances.

● In surviuors of rape
● Minor
● Mentally ill woman
● Change in maternal status in the ongoing pregnancy.
● Foetal malformation

 

5) IS CONSENT OF SPOUSE NECESSARY IN MTP?

    Spousal consent is not necessary as per law. The woman's consent is enough.

    In case the girl is a minor or mentally ill the consent of the guardian is required.

 

6) WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?

By the law (MTP ACT) the woman's identity is kept confidential. A code file is made and all documents have to be kept secret.

 

CONCLUSION: The new law (MTP Amendment) Act 1971 is more progressive.

It empowers women & protects her Reproductive Rights. It is more sensitive towards women who are witness of sexual assault & Rape.

 

Women should be more AWARE and use these provisions and avoid risking these lives with unsafe Abortion.

 

Dr Anuradha Panda

Consultant Obstetrician & Gyneacologist, Lap & Robotic Surgeon,

Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

 

FAV Disclaimer: Welthi.com does not guarantee any specific results as a result of the procedures mentioned here, and the results may vary from person to person.