Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) or medical abortion is the use of abortion pills for terminating a pregnancy. MTP is feasible only up to 9 weeks of pregnancy, and after that surgical termination takes over.MTP is one of the safest methods of terminating an unwanted pregnancy. There are many ways depending on the type of pills given to terminate the pregnancy. These pills are given several days before the actual abortion. Medical termination of pregnancy works best in the first 7 weeks that is 49 days of pregnancy. In the procedure, the doctor administers a pill orally or via injection on the first day. This blocks the female hormone progesterone and decreases the lining of the uterus which results in preventing the embryo from attaching and growing in the womb. To avoid any infection, antibiotics are also given to the patient on the same day. After 3-7 days, another tablet is inserted vaginally to trigger and facilitate the contractions of the uterus and push out the growing foetus. This is where the actual abortion happens, which takes about 4-7 days. After the bleeding stops (mostly a week) the healthcare specialist asks the patient to come for a physical examination to ensure that the abortion procedure is complete and to see if there are any complications associated with it.
You cannot go for MTP if you:
Are under specific medication for heart or blood vessel diseases, kidney or lung disease, severe liver, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
Have an intrauterine device (IUD)
Are too far along in your pregnancy (more than 9 weeks)
Have a case of ectopic pregnancy
Are taking a blood thinner or steroid medication
Are allergic to the medicines used during the procedure
There are differing opinions with regard to allowing abortions. One opinion is that terminating a pregnancy is the choice of the pregnant woman, and a part of her reproductive rights. The other is that the state has an obligation to protect life, and hence should provide for the protection of the foetus. Across the world, countries set varying conditions and time limits for allowing abortions, based on foetal health, and risk to the pregnant woman. Several Writ Petitions have been filed by women seeking permission to abort pregnancies beyond 20-weeks due to foetal abnormalities or rape. The Bill allows abortion after 24 weeks only in cases where a Medical Board diagnoses substantial foetal abnormalities. This implies that for a case requiring abortion due to rape, that exceeds 24-weeks, the only recourse remains.
The Bill does not specify the categories of women who may terminate pregnancies between 20-24 weeks and leaves it to be prescribed through Rules. It may be argued that such matters should be specified by Parliament and not delegated to the government. The Act (and the Bill) require abortion to be performed only by doctors with specialisation in gynaecology or obstetrics. As there is a 75% shortage of such doctors in community health centers in rural areas, pregnant women may continue to find it difficult to access facilities for safe abortions.
Aishwarya Says:
I have always been against Glorifying Over Work and therefore, in the year 2021, I have decided to launch this campaign “Balancing Life”and talk about this wrong practice, that we have been following since last few years. I will be talking to and interviewing around 1 lakh people in the coming 2021 and publish their interview regarding their opinion on glamourising Over Work.
If you are interested in participating in the same, do let me know.
Do follow me on Facebook, Twitter Youtube and Instagram.
The copyright of this Article belongs exclusively to Ms. Aishwarya Sandeep. Reproduction of the same, without permission will amount to Copyright Infringement. Appropriate Legal Action under the Indian Laws will be taken.
If you would also like to contribute to my website, then do share your articles or poems at adv.aishwaryasandeep@gmail.com
We also have a Facebook Group Restarter Moms for Mothers or Women who would like to rejoin their careers post a career break or women who are enterpreneurs.
We are also running a series Inspirational Women from January 2021 to March 31,2021, featuring around 1000 stories about Indian Women, who changed the world. #choosetochallenge