What is the upper limit of pregnancy up to which MTP can be done in India as per MTP Act 1971?

PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Forensic Nursing & Indian laws

Easy

Appeared in: PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Explanation

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act of 1971 explicitly set the upper gestational limit for legal abortion at 20 weeks.
This provision was intended to provide a safe and legal option for women to terminate unwanted pregnancies, thereby reducing maternal morbidity and mortality from illegal abortions.
For pregnancies between 12 and 20 weeks, the Act required the concurring opinion of two registered medical practitioners.

Option A: 18 weeks is within the permissible limit but is not the maximum or upper limit defined by the MTP Act of 1971.
Option C: 22 weeks has not been a standard legal gestational limit for MTP in India under either the 1971 Act or its subsequent amendments.
Option D: The 24-week limit was introduced by the MTP Amendment Act of 2021 for special categories of women, not the original 1971 Act.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The question tests the knowledge of the legal provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act of 1971 in India, specifically the upper gestational limit for abortion as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be aware of the legal framework for MTP to provide accurate information, counseling, and care to patients.
Understanding the specific gestational limits and requirements for medical opinions is crucial for ensuring legal compliance and patient safety.
Nurses play a key role in obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and providing post-procedure care, including counseling on contraception.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the upper limit of pregnancy for MTP specifically under the 'MTP Act 1971'.
Note the year '1971' is a critical keyword. This directs you to recall the provisions of the original act, not any recent changes.
Evaluate the options based on the 1971 law. Recall that the general limit was set at 20 weeks.
Option '24 weeks' should be recognized as a more recent change from the 2021 amendment, making it incorrect for this specific question.
Options '18 weeks' and '22 weeks' are incorrect as they do not represent the statutory upper limit of the 1971 Act.
Select the option that correctly states the upper limit as per the MTP Act of 1971.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The question tests the knowledge of the legal provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act of 1971 in India, specifically the upper gestational limit for abortion.
Stem keywords: upper limit, pregnancy, MTP, MTP Act 1971, India
Lead-in keywords: What is

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