About MTP Amendment Act 2021

• According to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Amendment Act 2021, the opinion of only one registered medical practitioner will be required for the abortion of a foetus up to 20 weeks of gestation and of two for the termination of pregnancy from 20 to 24 weeks of gestation. 
• The opinion of a state-level medical board is required for abortions over 24 weeks, in case of suspected foetal abnormalities. 
  • Each board will have one gynaecologist, one radiologist or sonologist, one paediatrician, and other members prescribed by the State/UT government.

How is the 2021 law different from the earlier 1971 MTP Act? 

• The 2021 Act increased the upper gestation limit from 20 to 24 weeks for special categories of women, including survivors of rape, victims of incest and other vulnerable women like differently abled and minors. 
• A confidentiality clause was added which said that the name and other particulars of a woman whose pregnancy has been terminated cannot be revealed except to a person authorised by law. 
• It also extended MTP services, under the clause of failure of contraceptive, to unmarried women to provide access to safe abortion based on a woman’s choice, irrespective of marital status.