The MTP Act in brief
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, amended in 2021, permits abortion by a registered medical practitioner in an approved facility, within set limits. It applies to married and unmarried women alike. This page is a summary for orientation, not legal advice. A fuller walk-through is in the MTP Act explained.
Gestation limits at a glance
- Up to 20 weeks: one registered medical practitioner must be of the opinion that continuing the pregnancy would risk the woman's physical or mental health, or that it resulted from contraceptive failure.
- 20 to 24 weeks: allowed for specified categories (for example survivors of sexual assault, minors, women whose marital status has changed during pregnancy, and women with certain disabilities), on the opinion of two practitioners.
- Beyond 24 weeks: only where a state Medical Board finds substantial fetal abnormalities. Termination at any stage is also permitted where it is immediately necessary to save the woman's life.
Consent and confidentiality
An adult woman's own consent is what counts. Her husband's or family's consent is not required. For a girl under 18 or a woman with a mental illness, the guardian's consent is needed. The Act also restricts disclosure of a woman's name and details except to those authorised by law.
Where it can lawfully be provided
MTP must take place in a government hospital or a facility approved for the purpose, and the doctor must meet training requirements under the MTP Rules. You can ask a clinic to confirm its approval status and the doctor's registration. A genuine provider will not mind the question.
If you are under 18 or the pregnancy resulted from assault, additional legal duties apply to the doctor. The clinic can explain what happens and how your identity is protected before you decide to proceed.
Next steps
To discuss your own situation, read abortion in Delhi or contact the clinic. For a separate site covering related care, see Abortion Care Information (opens in a new tab).
The 2021 amendment in brief
- Up to 20 weeks: opinion of one registered medical practitioner.
- 20 to 24 weeks: opinion of two practitioners, for categories listed in the MTP Rules 2021, including survivors of sexual assault or incest, minors, women whose marital status changed during pregnancy, women with certain disabilities, and cases of fetal abnormality or humanitarian emergency.
- Beyond 24 weeks: only on the decision of a State-level Medical Board, where there are substantial fetal abnormalities. In an emergency to save the woman's life, a single practitioner may terminate at any stage.
- Contraceptive failure: the Act refers to failure of a contraceptive method by a woman or her partner, so it is not limited to married women.
Where MTP can be done
MTP must be provided by a registered medical practitioner with the training the MTP Rules require, in a government hospital or a facility approved for MTP. It is reasonable to ask a clinic to show its approval and the doctor's registration. See how to choose a clinic.
Privacy under the Act
The Act bars a practitioner from revealing the name and particulars of a woman who has had a termination, except to a person authorised by law. See the detailed explanation in the MTP Act explained, and abortion for unmarried women.
General information. Laws and rules can change. This is not legal advice. Ask the treating doctor to explain how the law applies in your situation.
Common questions
Is MTP the same as abortion?
Yes. MTP is the legal and medical term used in India for the termination of a pregnancy.
Is it available to unmarried women?
Yes. The Act applies to any woman.
Which doctors can perform MTP?
A registered medical practitioner with the training the MTP Rules require, in a government hospital or an approved facility.
Is my name kept confidential?
Yes. The Act prohibits revealing the name and particulars of a woman who has had a termination, except as authorised by law.
What if the patient is under 18?
A guardian's consent is required, and additional legal reporting rules may apply. The doctor will explain the process in private.
General information. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor who has examined you. Read our medical disclaimer.