Gujarat HC Issues Guidelines for Termination Of Pregnancy
Last Updated on November 20, 2024 by NewsDesk SLC
The Gujarat High Court has introduced guidelines to expedite the process of obtaining medical board opinions on abortions, ensuring timely, fair, and consistent access to necessary assessments.
A woman in Gujarat filed a case in the Gujarat High Court seeking an abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy due to health risks. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act allows abortions up to 24 weeks, but cases after 20 weeks require the approval of a medical board. The court reviewed the medical board review process and issued guidelines to ensure effective medical assessment within reasonable time frames.
The Gujarat High Court has laid down guidelines for medical boards to review abortion claims, especially in cases beyond 20 weeks. The court emphasizes the necessity of a thorough examination of the woman’s state of health and possible risks for the fetus. The guidelines recommend a diverse group of professionals, including obstetricians, gynecologists and mental health professionals, and timely decisions within 48 hours of receiving a request.
The MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971) in India allows medical termination of pregnancy up to the 20th week of pregnancy with the approval of a medical board constituted by the government in each state. However, delays and lengthy procedures resulted in women being denied timely access to abortion services.
The Gujarat High Court’s guidelines aim to improve access to safe abortion, prioritize women’s health and streamline evaluation by medical boards. They emphasize balancing legal frameworks with the availability of health care.
