Question

Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) plays an important role in reproductive health.

(i) What is MTP ?

(ii) Under what conditions is it legally permitted in India ? Mention any two points.

(iii) In which stage of pregnancy is MTP considered legally and medically safe ?

(iv) Explain any two risks/concerns associated with this process.

Hint:

Define MTP, give two legal grounds, say first trimester (up to 12 weeks), and give two risks such as female foeticide misuse and infection or bleeding.

Answer 1

Step 1: Part (i): Define the term:
Medical Termination of Pregnancy means ending a pregnancy on purpose before it reaches full term. The Indian government legalised it in 1971 with strict rules.

Step 2: Part (ii): Grounds recognised by the law:
The law allows MTP when the pregnancy harms the mother body or mind, or when a foetus is likely to have serious abnormalities.
It is also allowed when pregnancy results from rape or when a contraceptive failed in a married woman.

Step 3: Part (iii): Timing:
Early abortion is simple and the risk of complications is low. The first trimester (up to 12 weeks) is the stage called legally and medically safe.
In the 12-24 week range the foetus has grown and the procedure is risky, so it needs strong reasons.

Step 4: Part (iv): Concerns:
Concern 1: the facility can be misused to remove female foetuses. This disturbs the sex ratio of the population.
Concern 2: if done late or by untrained persons, it can cause infection, severe bleeding and damage to the uterus, and sometimes a threat to life.

Final Answer:
MTP means voluntary abortion; it is permitted for the grounds above, safe up to 12 weeks, and carries the risk of misuse and health complications.