Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill assures dignity, safety, and wellbeing of women: Dr Harsh Vardhan

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has described the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill as a “historic” move when passed by Rajya Sabha.

Harsh Vardhan took to Twitter to share the news. He tweeted, “A historic bill ensuring dignity, safety, and well being of women! The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill 2020 passed in Rajya Sabha today will enhance access to comprehensive abortion care for women in need and strength confidentiality clause as well.”

The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed the bill which seeks to give permit to the special categories of women who can choose to undergo abortion till 24 weeks. The upper gestation limit was earlier increased to 20 week earlier. The special categories consist of women who are rape survivors, victims of incest, differently abled and minors. The bill has further removed the upper gestation limit, during severe cases when the Medical Board diagnoses and confirms the substantial fetal abnormalities.

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was pushed ahead in the Upper House with a voice vote post Harsh Vardhan moved it for consideration and passing. In the Lok Sabha, the bill was passed in 2020, however, a demand to send the bill towards a select committee of the Upper House, which was then defeated through the voice note.