In a bid to address the practical challenges surrounding the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act of 2021, city-based gynaecologist Dr. Nikhil Datar has put forth crucial recommendations to the Bombay High Court. These suggestions aim to enhance the implementation of the amended act, particularly concerning pregnancies beyond 24 weeks and the alignment of guidelines.
Dr. Datar’s proposals target various shortcomings within the current framework, including deficiencies in the form used by Medical Boards for termination opinions. According to him, these deficiencies add complexity for pregnant individuals seeking to terminate pregnancies.
The recent case of a 37-year-old Thane resident, whose 27-week pregnancy was terminated due to foetal abnormalities at a private hospital following the High Court’s approval, served as a catalyst for Dr. Datar’s recommendations.
Dr. Datar, a Goregaon-based judicial activist, has assisted over 324 women in obtaining court approvals for late-term terminations. He emphasized the ambiguity surrounding the outcome of pregnancy termination and stressed the need for clarity regarding the foetus’ status post-procedure.
The suggestions, presented in an affidavit filed in connection with a petition by a woman from Thane seeking to terminate her 27-week pregnancy at a private hospital, highlight key issues requiring urgent attention for effective MTP Act functioning.
Key concerns include ambiguity in the applicability of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s Guidance Note, lack of clarity in defining “medical termination of pregnancy,” and inadequacies in hospital infrastructure and manpower.
Dr. Datar underscored the importance of addressing these issues to uphold the objectives of the MTP Act and ensure access to safe and legal abortions for women. His proposals aim to streamline implementation processes and address challenges faced by medical practitioners and institutions.
The case history of the 37-year-old woman underscores the urgency of reforming MTP regulations to accommodate cases of severe foetal abnormalities and ensure women’s reproductive rights are upheld. Dr. Datar’s efforts in advocating for these reforms signify a crucial step towards improving access to reproductive healthcare for women.
