To terminate your unwanted or unplanned pregnancy, you start looking for an abortion centre in Delhi or your locality. As it is your first time, abortion is a sensitive topic, you should comprehend what your rights and options are. Abortion laws and regulations can vary significantly from one country to another. In India, the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act was enacted in 1971, and it has undergone several amendments over the years. In this article, you will know abortion laws in India and help you understand your rights and options.
What is the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act?
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act was enacted in India in 1971 to regulate abortion services in the country. The act lays down the conditions and circumstances under which a pregnancy can be legally terminated and the procedures that must be followed during the termination process.
Who can seek an abortion in India?
The MTP Act states that any woman who is up to 12 weeks pregnant can seek an abortion. However, if a woman is between 12 and 20 weeks pregnant, she can only have an abortion if two registered medical practitioners agree that continuing the pregnancy would pose a risk to her physical or mental health or if the pregnancy is a result of rape or failure of contraceptive methods. If the woman is over 20 weeks pregnant, she can only have an abortion if continuing the pregnancy would pose a risk to her life. In such cases, the approval of a medical board is required.
Who can perform an abortion in India?
Under the MTP Act, only registered medical practitioners with the necessary qualifications and experience can perform abortions. The act allows for both medical and surgical abortions. Medical abortions involve taking pills that induce a miscarriage, while surgical abortions involve a minor surgical procedure to remove the foetus from the uterus. It is essential to note that unregistered medical practitioners or quacks are not authorised to perform abortions, and getting an abortion from such practitioners can be dangerous.
Where can you get an abortion in India?
Abortion services are available at both public and private hospitals and clinics in India. It is recommended that you get an abortion from a registered medical practitioner or a registered medical facility to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the procedure.
How much does an abortion cost in India?
The cost of an abortion in India can vary depending on several factors, such as the location, the type of abortion, and the facility where the procedure is performed. On average, a medical abortion can cost anywhere between INR 500 to INR 5000, while a surgical abortion can cost between INR 5000 to INR 20,000. However, the cost can vary significantly, and it is essential to check with the facility where you plan to get the abortion to get an accurate estimate of the cost.
What are your rights regarding abortion in India?
As a woman seeking an abortion in India, you have the following rights:
The right to privacy - Your decision to have an abortion is private, and nobody can force you to disclose it or share it with others.
The right to information - You have the right to information about the abortion procedure, the risks and benefits of the procedure, and the options available to you.
The right to consent - You have the right to provide informed consent before the procedure, and you can withdraw your consent at any time.
The right to confidentiality - Your medical records and personal information must be kept confidential.
The right to dignity - You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect during the entire process.
The right to access safe and legal abortion services: You have the right to access safe and legal abortion services from registered medical practitioners or registered medical facilities.
Suggest to read :- Everything You Need to Know About the Abortion Process
What are the risks associated with abortion?
Like any medical procedure, abortions can come with certain risks. However, the risks associated with abortions are generally low, and most women do not experience any complications. Some of the potential risks associated with abortion include infection, bleeding, incomplete abortion, and injury to the uterus or other organs during the procedure. However, these risks are relatively rare, and the majority of women who undergo abortion do not experience any significant complications.
It is important to note that the risks associated with abortion can be reduced by getting the procedure done by a registered medical practitioner or at a registered medical facility. Additionally, it is essential to follow the post-abortion instructions provided by the medical practitioner to minimise the risk of complications.
Conclusion
Understanding abortion laws in India is crucial for women who may need to access these services. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act provides guidelines for safe and legal abortions and lays down the conditions and circumstances under which abortions can be performed. As a woman seeking an abortion, it is important to know your rights and access safe and legal abortion services from registered medical practitioners or registered medical facilities. While abortions do come with some risks, they are generally low, and most women do not experience any significant complications.
