World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

MEDICAL TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY- A REVIEW

*Dr. Jagdish Kumar Anant, Dr. S. R. Inchulkar and Dr. Sangeeta Bhagat

ABSTRACT

MTP is also known as justifiable abortion, the induction of which is justifiable only when caused in good faith to save the life of the woman, if it is materially endangered by the continuance of pregnancy, but not to save the family honour or for any other ethical or economical reason. In India, many females die due to pregnancy and related complications despite the efforts of Government to reduce maternal mortality through various schemes and facilities. Many of the females are not aware of the legal and safe abortion facilities, and many of them are forced to seek unsafe abortions for cultural reasons. MTP is the lawful abortion of a foetus, and it empowers a woman to decide whether to continue her pregnancy or terminate it. It is a liberal law, which enables registered medical practitioners to terminate pregnancy for social and socio-medical reasons. It spared many women from inflicted pregnancy and forced motherhood. Therapeutic abortion ensures the correct intervention depending upon the stage of unwanted pregnancy thereby minimizing the chance of illegal abortions which is the reason for higher mortality and morbidity in India. Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (MTP Act), 1971 has liberalized abortion in India with the social aim of reducing the population explosion threatening the country. This review discusses the legal provisions, current common methods, complications and medicolegal aspect of medical abortions available in India.

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