Abortions Up To 24 Weeks To Be Legal As Cabinet Approves Medical Termination Of Pregnancy Bill

The Union Cabinet has approved raising of upper limit for permitting abortions from 20 weeks to 24 weeks. Announcing the decision, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said the step will help rape victims and minors. There are cases of unsafe abortions at 20 weeks leading to death of mothers; this will make abortions safer, he said.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 to increase the upper limit for legal termination of pregnancy to 24 weeks from the earlier 20 weeks. 

"The limit for abortion has been increased from 20 weeks to 24 weeks. There was the demand from section of women, doctors and court has also requested the same," said Javadekar. The Bill is set to be introduced in the ensuing session of the Parliament.

"It was discussed with various stakeholders since 2014. A Group of Ministers was also formed chaired by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari," he added.

The bill drafted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will replace the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.