Question

Choose the statements which are correct with respect to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 2017:
(A) Approximately \(20\%\) of the conceived pregnancies undergo MTP globally in a year
(B) MTP is legalized in India up to four months unconditionally
(C) Amniocentesis is mandatory before performing MTP
(D) MTPs are considered relatively safe up to 12 weeks of pregnancy
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (B) and (C) only
• (B) and (D) only
• (A) and (B) only
• (A) and (D) only

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 2017 relates to the legal protocols for terminating pregnancies. When analyzing the given statements, consider the following: 

• (A) Approximately \(20\%\) of the conceived pregnancies undergo MTP globally in a year: This statement is correct. Reports estimate that out of the total pregnancies globally, around 20% end in medical termination.
• (B) MTP is legalized in India up to four months unconditionally: Incorrect. The updated MTP Act 2021 allows termination up to 24 weeks under specific conditions and up to 20 weeks for others, but it does not permit unconditional termination up to four months (16 weeks).
• (C) Amniocentesis is mandatory before performing MTP: Incorrect. Amniocentesis, a procedure used to detect chromosomal abnormalities, is not mandatory for all MTP cases. It depends on the medical scenario.
• (D) MTPs are considered relatively safe up to 12 weeks of pregnancy: This is correct. MTPs are recognized as safer methods within the first trimester, which is up to 12 weeks.

By examining the above, we conclude that statements (A) and (D) accurately describe MTP protocols. Hence, the correct answer is:

(A) and (D) only

Answer 2

Let’s evaluate the given statements with respect to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 2017:

(A) Approximately 20% of the conceived pregnancies undergo MTP globally in a year: This is correct. According to various studies, approximately 20% of pregnancies worldwide are terminated each year, either due to medical, social, or other reasons.

(B) MTP is legalized in India up to four months unconditionally: This is incorrect. Under the MTP Act, 2017, MTP is allowed up to 24 weeks, but not unconditionally. The law requires the approval of medical practitioners, and specific conditions must be met for pregnancies beyond 20 weeks. Additionally, the reason for termination needs to be medically justifiable (e.g., fetal abnormalities, risk to the mother's health).

(C) Amniocentesis is mandatory before performing MTP: This is incorrect. Amniocentesis is not a mandatory procedure for performing an MTP. The decision for an MTP is based on medical evaluation, and amniocentesis may only be performed if required for diagnosing certain fetal conditions.

(D) MTPs are considered relatively safe up to 12 weeks of pregnancy: This is correct. MTP is considered relatively safe up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, with lower risk for complications such as hemorrhage or infection compared to later stages.

Thus, the correct statements are (A) and (D), making the correct answer:

(4) (A) and (D) only.