Question

A 22-week pregnancy unmarried 14-year-old girl, who is a rape victim, comes at your clinic for medical termination. What is true for medical abortion?

• A. MTP can be done in rape victim till 24 weeks
• B. Only one doctor's opinion required
• C. Only done if risk of life
• D. MTP can be done after permission of medical board

Hint:

MTP in cases of rape can be done up to 24 weeks of pregnancy in India, under the conditions specified by the MTP Act.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the case of a 22-week pregnancy in an unmarried 14-year-old rape victim seeking medical termination, it is important to understand the legal and medical guidelines surrounding Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) as per the relevant provisions. According to the Amendment to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 in India, specific conditions allow for termination of pregnancy:

• For special cases such as rape victims and minors, the termination of pregnancy is permissible up to 24 weeks.
• The procedure can be carried out with the consent of the individual involved, given her status as a minor and considering the legal capacity laws, possibly with the consent of a guardian.
• In cases beyond 20 weeks, approval from a medical board constituted for this purpose may be necessary, assessing the medical and psychological impact on the woman.

This specific case being a 22-week pregnancy falls within the permissible window under the provision for rape victims.
Therefore, the statement "MTP can be done in rape victim till 24 weeks" correctly reflects the legal scope for medical abortion in this scenario.