Understanding Abortion Rights in India

Enacted in 1971, the MTP Act allows termination up to 20 weeks under specified conditions; amendments in 2021 extended gestation limits in select cases.

Indications include risk to the mother's life, grave injury, fetal abnormalities, contraceptive failure, rape, or minors.

Refer to mtpActOverviewGraphic for timeline and major amendments.

• • Up to 20 weeks: with one RMP’s opinion if ≤12 weeks, two if 12–20 weeks; up to 24 weeks for survivors of rape, minors, or fetal anomalies.
• • Beyond 24 weeks: only if fetal anomalies incompatible with life, per 2021 amendment.
• • Providers must be certified and facilities must meet Act’s standards.

Adults give their own informed consent; minors require guardian consent and healthcare provider’s assent.

All services are confidential—no mandatory reporting to police or family.

Consult the consentConfidentialityFlow for detailed pathways and exceptions.

Abortion services are available at government hospitals, approved private clinics, and certified nursing homes.

Verify the facility’s registration under the MTP Act before scheduling.

See safeProviderMapGraphic to locate nearby accredited centers.

• • Medical abortion: pills (mifepristone + misoprostol) up to 9 weeks, can be taken at home with follow‑up.
• • Surgical abortion: manual vacuum aspiration or dilation & evacuation, performed in clinic.
• • Use decisionTreeGraphic to choose the right method for you.

Initial consultation: history, counseling, consent, and baseline investigations.

Procedure day: medication or surgical intervention under RMP supervision.

Follow‑up visit within 2 weeks to ensure completion and manage any complications.

Emergency contraception (levonorgestrel or ulipristal) prevents pregnancy if taken within 72–120 hours of unprotected intercourse.

Not an abortifacient—does not terminate an existing pregnancy.

Refer to emergencyVsAbortionGraphic for clear distinctions and timelines.

• • Rest, hydration, and light activity for 24–48 hours.
• • Watch for excessive bleeding, fever, or severe pain—seek RMP immediately if they occur.
• • Access emotional support or counseling if you experience distress.

Myth: Abortion leads to infertility. → Fact: Safe, legal abortion does not impair future fertility.

Myth: You need court permission. → Fact: No legal requirement for court orders or police reports.

See commonMythsGraphic for more evidence‑based clarifications.

Share accurate information and direct people to accredited providers and helplines.

Respect confidentiality and offer non‑judgmental emotional support.

Join women’s health NGOs or helplines listed in resourceDirectoryGraphic.

• • Review your eligibility and timeline using eligibilityCriteriaGraphic and procedureTimelineGraphic.
• • Locate nearby accredited providers with safeProviderMapGraphic.
• • Save helpline numbers and resource links from resourceDirectoryGraphic for quick access.