Delhi to Notify Women-Friendly Amendments to Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act

Delhi will soon notify women-friendly amendments to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, ensuring universal access to comprehensive abortion care and termination of certain pregnancies.

New Delhi, December 28: In a significant move, the Delhi government is set to notify women-friendly amendments to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has approved the city government's proposal in this regard, aiming to enhance access to comprehensive abortion care and ensure the well-being of women.

LG's Approval with Concerns

While approving the proposal, Lieutenant Governor Saxena expressed grave displeasure and surprise over the delay in presenting the matter for approval. The delay spanned more than two years, raising questions about the efficiency and responsiveness of the concerned departments.

Health Minister's Response

Reacting to the development, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj highlighted that, apart from Odisha, no other state, whether ruled by the BJP or non-BJP parties, has issued notifications regarding the revised statutory forms of the amended MTP Act, 2021. He emphasized the need for a collective effort to ensure the implementation of the amended Act across the country.

LG Directs Action

Lieutenant Governor Saxena directed the health department to thoroughly investigate the reasons behind the inordinate delay in processing the matter. He emphasized the importance of assigning responsibility and exercising caution in the future to prevent such delays and ensure efficient governance.

Key Amendments

The amended MTP Act, 2021, introduced several significant changes to enhance women's access to safe and legal abortion services. These include:

• Opinion of only one registered medical practitioner (RMP) is required for termination of pregnancy up to 20 weeks of gestation.
• Opinion of two RMPs is required for termination of pregnancy between 20-24 weeks of gestation under special circumstances.
• Provision for the constitution of a medical board to grant permission for termination of pregnancy beyond 24 weeks under specific circumstances.

Updated Statutory Forms

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare updated the statutory forms for the documentation of medical termination of pregnancy in consonance with the amended MTP Act and Rules, 2021. These forms include:

• Form 1: RMP Opinion Form
• Form 2: Regulations
• Form 3: Admission Register

The amendments in these forms aim to streamline the process, ensure transparency, and protect the rights of women seeking abortion services.

Bharadwaj's Reaction

Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj responded to the development, expressing his commitment to ensuring affordable and quality healthcare for all citizens. He welcomed Lieutenant Governor Saxena's intention regarding women's well-being and assured him of the government's dedication to providing comprehensive abortion care.

Call for Action

Bharadwaj urged Lieutenant Governor Saxena to use his influence to advise other states, apart from Odisha, to expedite the issuance of notifications regarding the amended MTP Act. He emphasized the need for collective action to ensure universal access to safe and legal abortion services across the country.

The Delhi government's move to notify women-friendly amendments to the MTP Act is a positive step towards ensuring the reproductive rights and well-being of women. By addressing the concerns raised by Lieutenant Governor Saxena and taking proactive measures to implement the amended Act, the Delhi government sets an example for other states to follow. The collective efforts of all stakeholders are crucial in ensuring that women have access to comprehensive abortion care and can make informed decisions about their reproductive health.