Question

Which among the following conditions can not be considered under MTP act, 1971 to terminate a conceived pregnancy?

• A. If the pregnancy would be harmful to the life of the mother
• B. If there is a strong chance that the child suffers from physical or mental abnormalities
• C. If the sex of the child is not the desired one
• D. if pregnancy is a result of sexual assault or rape

Answer 1

The correct option is C If the sex of the child is not the desired one

Abortions are legal throughout many of the countries of the world with varying abortion laws. Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971; which regulates abortion procedures in India.
Under the Indian penal code, voluntary terminating a pregnancy is a criminal offence, but under certain conditions and circumstances, the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 allows abortion. The conditions include-

• If the pregnancy seems to be harmful to the life of a woman.
• If there is a good chance that the developing foetus would suffer from mental or physical abnormalities.
• If the pregnancy occurred due to any sexual assault or rape.

This act nowhere gives permissions to abort a developing foetus on the basis of desires or gender preferences.