Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Induced Abortion)

Medical termination of pregnancy(MTP) refers to ending a pregnancy at an early stage(usually in the 1st trimester). It is also called induced abortion, intentional abortion, or Voluntary abortion. There are various reasons for someone to opt for medical termination of pregnancy. This artificial termination of pregnancy can be legal or illegal. Medical termination of pregnancy is legal in India but there are various restrictions involved. There are many countries where medical termination of pregnancy is illegal. Around 50 million MTPs are performed all over the world, every year. One-fifth of the total conceived pregnancies end in MTP.

Keyterms: Pregnancy, Abortion, Induced abortion, Intentional abortion, Voluntary abortion, Womb, Gestation, Reproduction

Also Read: Reproductive Health

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Pregnancy

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Pregnancy is the development of a fetus inside a woman’s uterus or womb. Pregnancy can last for 37 to 40 weeks (around 9 months). The medical term for pregnancy is Gestation. Pregnancy can be a result of sexual intercourse or the use of related medical procedures such as surrogacy or IVF.

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Medical Termination of Pregnancy

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Medical Termination of pregnancy is the voluntary or intentional termination of pregnancy before completion of full term. This voluntary termination of pregnancy is considered safe only if performed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, also called the first trimester of pregnancy.

The procedure for medical termination of pregnancy can only be performed by qualified doctors and registered medical professionals. The medical termination of pregnancy can only take place at a place that is approved under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. In the first few weeks i.e. seven to nine weeks, pregnancy can be terminated using medicines. After this period, a surgical process is needed.

First Trimester of Pregnancy

Also Read: Contraception

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The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act

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The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act was passed by the Indian government in 1971. The act was put into effect on 1 April 1972. The act was implemented to legalize abortion. The restrictions are put to avoid misuse of the act. The legal termination of pregnancy can only take place under specific terms and conditions.

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Reasons or Medical Termination of Pregnancy in India

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In India, medical termination of pregnancy is legal only due to the following reasons:

• Possible risk to the health (physical or mental) of a mother or life of a mother if the pregnancy continues.
• If the pregnancy is the result of sexual assault or rape
• Failure of contraception used by husband and wife
• Risk to the health of the fetus
• If the development of the fetus is not as expected and the child is likely to be deformed or handicapped

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Malpractices and Risks Involved in Medical Termination of Pregnancies

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Medical termination of pregnancy is a debatable topic as many people view it from a religious, emotional, social, or ethical point of view. Many countries have banned medical termination of pregnancy and abortion due to such reasons.

There are instances where the procedure for termination of pregnancy is practiced by an unqualified person which puts the health of the mother and fetus at risk.

There are also times where it is misused for female feticides. The sex of the baby can only be determined after the first 12 weeks. Many people opt for termination of pregnancy if the child is female. Not only is this morally wrong but it also puts the health of the mother at risk as the first trimester has already ended and Medical termination of pregnancy during the second trimester is riskier. Female feticide is a punishable offense in India and can lead to imprisonment.

There are several potential risks involved in Medical termination of pregnancy: weakness, nausea, prolonged or heavy bleeding, fever, Infection.

Fact: In India, only the mother’s consent is required for performing Medical termination of pregnancy. Doctors don’t need the consent of the father or other family members. However, if the woman is a minor or mentally unstable, the guardian’s consent is required.

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Things to Remember

• Medical termination of pregnancy is the voluntary end of pregnancy. It is intentional and is also called induced abortion. 
• Medical termination of pregnancy should be performed during the first trimester of pregnancy i.e. first 12 weeks.
• The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill was passed in India in 1971 and brought into effect in April 1972. 
• MTPs are legal in India only under certain circumstances.
• The sex of the baby can only be determined after the first 12 weeks. Many people opt for termination of pregnancy if the child is female. 
• There is a risk of severe health conditions to the mother if multiple/ even single MTP is carried out by unqualified personnel.
• MTP can be carried out if the reason is legal and valid.

Also Read: Human Reproduction Ncert Solutions

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Previous Year Questions

1. Artificial insemination means :….[NEET 2013]
2. Assisted reproductive technology, IVF involves transfer of...[NEET 2014]
3. Cu ions released from copper-releasing intra uterine devices (IUDs)….[NEET 2010]
4. In India, human population is heavily weighed towards the younger age groups as a result of….[NEET 1980]
5. Embryo with more than 16 blastgomeres formed due to in vitro fertilization is transferred into….[NEET 2016]
6. The present population of the world is about...[NEET 1997]
7. What is the work of copper T ?….[NEET 2000]
8. Which of the following contraceptive methods do involve a role of hormone ?...[NEET 2019]
9. Which one of the following is the most wide accepted method of contraception in India at present?...[NEET 2011]
10. Which of the following sexually transmitted diseases is not completely curable ?...[NEET 2019]
11. Which of the following is incorrect regarding vasectomy ?​...[NEET 2016]
12. Sexually transmitted disease that can affect both the male and female genitals and may damage eyes of babies born of infected mothers is​...[KCET 2012]
13. Which of the following birth control measures can be considered as the safest ?..[KCET 2006]
14. Which of the following is a mechanical barrier used in birth control ?...[KCET 2004]
15. Most populous country of the word is….​[MHT CET 2008]
16. A contraceptive pill prevents ovulation by...[COMEDK UGET 2015]
17. If the vasa deferentia of man are surgically removed….[COMEDK UGET 2007]
18. Choose the sexually transmitted bacterial disease from the following...[COMEDK UGET 2010]
19. In a test tube baby, a surrogate mother fulfills...[COMEDK UGET 2006]
20. The method of directly injecting a sperm into ovum in assisted reproductive technology is called...[HP PMT 2011]