Presently, the law does not allow a pregnant woman to undergo an abortion if she has passed the period of over 20 weeks. The only exception is when there is a serious risk to the life of the mother.

However, now the Centre is considering to change this law and legalize abortion till 24 weeks, as now there are better medical facilities in the nation. Anbumani Ramadoss, Union health minister feels that there has been a lot of technological advancement and thus a need arises to review the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. Moreover the committee also expects Women and Child development ministry to support them and look into the issue positively.

This step is being given consideration after the case of Mumbai-based Nikita Mehta came to light. The woman, who wanted to abort her child since the fetus was detected with serious heart problems, was not allowed to undergo an abortion. However, she suffered a miscarriage after a few days of the decision.

Dr. Ramadoss feels that WCD ministry should chair the committee since according to him WCD ministry is really concerned with the issue and will consider all the aspects related to it.

Dr Ramdoss reported, “Our ministry will function as a co-chair on the issue. We needs to understand not only the health aspect but needs of women.”