The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 approved by Cabinet

On January 29, 2020, the Union Cabinet approved Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020. The bill aims to amend the Medical Termination of Pregnancy act, 1971. The bill is to be introduced in the coming session of Parliament

Highlights

According to the proposal, termination of pregnancy is to be extended to 24 weeks. It was 20 weeks earlier. The extension is only for special category of women. It includes rape victims, survivors of rape and other vulnerable women like differently-abled women.

Significance

The bill is a step towards increasing access of women to safe abortion services. The months have been increased considering the advancements in medical technology. The amendments were proposed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

First Legalization of Abortion

In India the Shah Committee was appointed to review the socio-cultural and medical aspects of abortion. It was this committee that recommended legalization of abortion for the first time.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2020