SC seeks views on guidelines for abortion


 

Why in News?

  • The Supreme Court has sought a response from the government on framing of guidelines for setting up a permanent mechanism for termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks in exceptional cases.
  • Issued notices to the Ministries of Health, Women and Child Development and the Medical Council Of India and sought their reply in four weeks.

No amendment

  • The court, however, refused to amend the 1971 Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act which prohibits termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks, saying that the issue fell within the legislative domain.
  • The top court was hearing a plea filed seeking amendment of the 1971 Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act for abortion of foetuses older than 20 weeks involving rape survivors and women with abnormal foetus. 

Posted by Jawwad Kazi on 16th Oct 2017