NEET PG High-Yield: MTP Act
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act in India provides the legal framework for safe abortion. The 2021 Amendment significantly expanded access and safety.
Legal Gestational Limits
| Gestation | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Up to 20 weeks | Opinion of one Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP). |
| 20 to 24 weeks | Opinion of two RMPs (for specific vulnerable categories). |
| > 24 weeks | Only for substantial fetal abnormalities (Medical Board approval). |
Key Points for NEET PG
- Categories for > 20 weeks: Includes survivors of sexual assault/rape, minors, change in marital status during pregnancy, and women with physical/mental disabilities.
- Confidentiality: Name and other particulars of the woman whose pregnancy is terminated shall not be revealed by the RMP.
- Medical Method (Medical Abortion): Mifepristone (200 mg) followed by Misoprostol (400–800 mcg) is the gold standard up to 9–10 weeks.
- Surgical Method: Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) is preferred for first-trimester suction evacuation due to lower complication rates.
High-Yield NEET PG Pearls:
- Contraindications for Medical Abortion: Ectopic pregnancy, IUD in situ, chronic adrenal failure, and long-term corticosteroid use.
- Rh Status: Anti-D immunoglobulin must be administered to all Rh-negative women undergoing MTP to prevent isoimmunization.
- Privacy: The RMP is legally protected if the termination is done in “good faith” according to the Act.