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Mar 11, 2022
When is an abortion legally allowed?
Abortion is legally permitted only if the term of the pregnancy is not more than 20 weeks. However, a pregnant woman cannot get an abortion if a doctor is not satisfied that she meets the conditions for it. The number of doctors who have to decide whether she can get an abortion depends on the number of weeks of her pregnancy.
Less than 12 weeks
If the length of the pregnancy has not exceeded 12 weeks, i.e. is still in the first trimester, one doctor has to agree to the abortion.
Between 12 weeks and 20 weeks
If the length of the pregnancy has exceeded 12 weeks, but is less than 20 weeks then, at least 2 doctors have to agree to it1.
However, emergency abortions can be conducted both before and after 20 weeks.
Related Weekly Posts
March 11 2022
When is an abortion legally allowed?
Abortion is legally permitted only if the term of the pregnancy is not more than 20 weeks. However, a pregnant woman cannot get an abortion if a doctor is not satisfied that she meets the conditions for it. The number of doctors who have to decide whether she can get an abortion depends on the […]
February 23 2022
What do you need to know about India’s law on Abortion?
The Kerala High Court has dismissed a couple’s plea to abort a 35-week-old foetus. The couple had requested the abortion for medical reasons because the foetus has serious developmental brain anomalies. Which Indian law regulates abortions? The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, provides for the termination of certain pregnancies by authorised doctors with […]
March 04 2022
Sex selection is illegal in India – Here is what you need to know about the law on sex selection
A Delhi court has said that although sex selection in India is banned, the general public perception is that it is easily available in clinics throughout the country. The court said that all those involved in the practice of sex selection need a strong message that it cannot be permitted at any cost, and in […]
March 06 2022
Is abortion legal in India?
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Rules, 2021 were notified by the Central Government which extended the period for getting a legal abortion from 20 to 24 weeks in certain cases. Which Indian law regulates abortions? The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, provides for the termination of certain pregnancies by authorised doctors with the […]
February 26 2022
Special medical boards for abortion in rape cases: The need of the hour
Trigger Warning: This post contains information on physical violence and sexual violence which some readers may find disturbing. The Supreme Court has asked for the Government’s response on setting up special medical boards in all districts to handle abortions for rape survivors. The Court said that a pregnant survivor should know her legal rights […]
March 11 2022
When is an abortion legally allowed?
Abortion is legally permitted only if the term of the pregnancy is not more than 20 weeks. However, a pregnant woman cannot get an abortion if a doctor is not satisfied that she meets the conditions for it. The number of doctors who have to decide whether she can get an abortion depends on the […]
February 23 2022
What do you need to know about India’s law on Abortion?
The Kerala High Court has dismissed a couple’s plea to abort a 35-week-old foetus. The couple had requested the abortion for medical reasons because the foetus has serious developmental brain anomalies. Which Indian law regulates abortions? The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, provides for the termination of certain pregnancies by authorised doctors with […]
March 04 2022
Sex selection is illegal in India – Here is what you need to know about the law on sex selection
A Delhi court has said that although sex selection in India is banned, the general public perception is that it is easily available in clinics throughout the country. The court said that all those involved in the practice of sex selection need a strong message that it cannot be permitted at any cost, and in […]
March 06 2022
Is abortion legal in India?
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Rules, 2021 were notified by the Central Government which extended the period for getting a legal abortion from 20 to 24 weeks in certain cases. Which Indian law regulates abortions? The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, provides for the termination of certain pregnancies by authorised doctors with the […]
February 26 2022
Special medical boards for abortion in rape cases: The need of the hour
Trigger Warning: This post contains information on physical violence and sexual violence which some readers may find disturbing. The Supreme Court has asked for the Government’s response on setting up special medical boards in all districts to handle abortions for rape survivors. The Court said that a pregnant survivor should know her legal rights […]
March 11 2022
When is an abortion legally allowed?
Abortion is legally permitted only if the term of the pregnancy is not more than 20 weeks. However, a pregnant woman cannot get an abortion if a doctor is not satisfied that she meets the conditions for it. The number of doctors who have to decide whether she can get an abortion depends on the […]
February 23 2022
What do you need to know about India’s law on Abortion?
The Kerala High Court has dismissed a couple’s plea to abort a 35-week-old foetus. The couple had requested the abortion for medical reasons because the foetus has serious developmental brain anomalies. Which Indian law regulates abortions? The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, provides for the termination of certain pregnancies by authorised doctors with […]
March 04 2022
Sex selection is illegal in India – Here is what you need to know about the law on sex selection
A Delhi court has said that although sex selection in India is banned, the general public perception is that it is easily available in clinics throughout the country. The court said that all those involved in the practice of sex selection need a strong message that it cannot be permitted at any cost, and in […]