28th September 2023 - World Safe Abortion Day
By Dr. Anuradha Panda
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| Dr Anuradha Panda is a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Lap & Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. These are her personal views. This is not medical advice under any circumstances. |
INTRODUCTION of World Safe Abortion Day
The government of India 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 higher 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 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?
The law (MTP ACT) keeps the woman's identity 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 witnesses of sexual assault & Rape.
Women should be more AWARE and use these provisions and avoid risking their lives with unsafe Abortion.
(Dr Anuradha Panda is a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Lap & Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. These are her personal views. This is not medical advice under any circumstances.)
