MTP Amendment Bill Recommendations.pdf

Civil society organizations recommend changes to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill 2020 to make it a rights-based legislation, including:
1. Allowing abortions up to 12 weeks at the will of the pregnant person, and extending the gestation limit from 20-24 weeks to all pregnant persons.
2. Including survivors of sexual abuse/rape and those facing a change in circumstances in the provisions for extending the gestation limit.
3. Ensuring confidentiality by changing the proposed clause to prevent disclosure of particulars unless directed by a court of law.
4. Not constituting Medical Boards, which violate the rights to dignity, privacy, and decisional autonomy.
5. Replacing the term "abnormalities" with "anomalies" to avoid reinforcing the notion that foetuses with disabilities are undesirable.
6. Replacing the term "woman" with "person" or "pregnant person" to include transgender people.
7. Approving Medical Abortion drugs up to 9 weeks of gestation, in line with WHO recommendations.
8. Holding widespread consultations with civil society organizations, providers, and legal experts when framing/revising the MTP Rules.
9. Referring the Bill to a Standing Committee and inviting public comments to ensure all stakeholder perspectives are considered.