‘MTP law needs reconsideration’
Chennai
The case has brought the spotlight on the amendment, which aims to increase the gestation limit for MTPs to 24 weeks from the existing 20 weeks. In the cited case, the attorney general had told the apex court that the existing Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, with the amendments made in 2002, could handle complicated pregnancies. Dr Premalatha Balachandran, obstetrician-gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, says tests done around 20 weeks sometimes reveal severe anomalies in the foetus and at times, that could endanger the mother’s life. “If someone wants to take a second opinion in such cases, there is a further delay. The current law doesn’t have a provision to deal with that.”
In nine out of 10 cases of foetal anomaly, the mother doesn’t want to continue with the pregnancy, adds Dr Nithya Ramamurthy, senior consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician, Fortis Malar Hospital. Dr GR Ravindranath, general secretary, Doctors Association for Social Equality, says MTP beyond 20 weeks should be an option, provided there are some clauses. He says, “Those who were unable to access facilities to detect anomalies could opt for this. A paediatrician should take the call about the survival rates of the child, in case of any complications.”
When is MTP carried out
- Where a pregnant woman has a serious medical disease and continuation of pregnancy could endanger her life
- Where the continuation of pregnancy could lead to substantial risk to the newborn leading to serious physical / mental handicaps
- Pregnancy resulting from rape
- Conditions where the socio-economic status of the mother hampers the progress of a healthy pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child.
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