Navigating Abortion Laws In India: A Comprehensive Examination Of Legislation, Rights & Implications

Tamanna, Master of Law (LL.M), University Institute of Legal Studies, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India,

Dr. Renu, Professor, University Institute of Legal Studies, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India

ABSTRACT

In the whole world the topic Abortion is grabbed a huge attention from the people, it’s a highly sensitive, debated and controversial issue. Abortion is an intentional termination of the pregnancy, has been practiced in the world for a long time. People choose abortion for various reasons such as health problems, personal issues and others. Throughout the history, abortions have been carried out by multiple methods such as using cutting tools, abdominal pressure, injecting birth-inducing herbs, and other methods. India has the highest abortion rate and most progressing legal framework, but this hides the issue that Stop women from having access to safe abortions. Understanding abortion laws in India requires delving into the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971, as revision by the MTP Amendment Act, 2021. This Act establishes a legal framework for abortion and recognizes women's reproductive rights. It allows women to terminate pregnancies up to 20 weeks of gestation without conditions and extends this limit to 24 weeks under specific circumstances, such as rape, incest, or foetal abnormalities.

The Indian abortion laws are multifaceted and have been amended with the need of the society. The abortion laws are complex and versatile which encompasses a wide range of perspectives, complexities, and implications that deals with the various aspects of human experience and the society, healthcare, law, ethical and religion. The abortion laws are multidimensional and requires sensitivity to address.

Keywords: Abortion, pregnancy, women, foetus, law, termination, MTP Act, reproductive rights.