Some people believe that reproduction and abortion are a woman's personal choices and rights. On the other hand many people believe that the ultimate duty of the state is to protect life, not to take life.
They consider full protection as an integral part of life and abortion as immoral.
After a great long debate in England, the abortion law was first enacted in 1967 after protests and amendments were made from time to time. There, abortion is allowed only on specific and prescribed basis. In 1973, abortion was legalized by the Supreme Court of America on special grounds and circumstances.
Under the Medical Abortion Act, 1971 in India, abortions can be done up to 12 weeks on the basis of a doctor's opinion and up to 20 weeks based on the opinion of two doctors, if the life of a pregnant woman and her mental or physical health are in deep danger . Rape can lead to miscarriage within 20 weeks of conception, including failure of pregnancy and birth control measures, or even in the case of a fetus abnormality. There has been a demand for this law amendment in India for a long time.
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill, 2020 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 2, 2020 by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Health Minister, was passed by the Lok Sabha after discussion on 17 March. There is a proposal for some amendment to increase the upper limit of abortion from 20 weeks to 24 weeks. The bill is in the interest of rape victims, family sexual harassment, sexual protection of minors and personal dignity and female self-respect. It is proposed in the Bill to decide whether a pregnancy can be terminated after 24 weeks in cases of fetal abnormality.
In some cases abnormal fetus or unwillingness are life-threatening situations to the fetus and woman, due to which the abortion will now be done on the prescribed procedure and on a certain basis. Hopefully, the Rajya Sabha will also pass it in the current session. This amendment bill is progressive, fulfills a long expectation and conforms to and empowers the dignity and autonomy of women.
