Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP)

Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP):

Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP): 

• Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) is a voluntary termination of pregnancy before full term, essential for unwanted pregnancies or defective fetal development. It is safe during the first trimester and can be examined using amniocentesis. 

• Amniocentesis is a procedure where amniotic fluid containing foetal cells is collected under ultrasound guidance. The chromosomes are studied to detect abnormalities in the developing foetus.  

• However, misuse of amniocentesis to determine the sex of the unborn child, often leading to abortions, is a dangerous trend. In 1971, the Indian Government legalized the MTP Act to prevent misuse. 

• The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act 2017 was enacted by the Indian government to reduce the incidence of illegal abortion and maternal mortality, requiring only the consent of the woman whose pregnancy is being terminated. 

• The MTP Act allows pregnancy termination within the first 12 weeks or more than 12 weeks but less than 20 weeks, with a mandatory medical practitioner's opinion stating continuation would pose a risk to the pregnant woman's life, grave physical or mental health issues, or substantial risks to the child. 

Amniocentesis process

Importance of MTP:

• To avoid unwanted pregnancies either due to casual intercourse or failure of the contraceptive used during coitus or rapes.
• It is essential in cases where the continuation of pregnancy could be harmful to the mother or to the foetus or both.
• MTPs are safe during the first trimester, (up to 12 weeks of pregnancy). Second-trimester abortions are very risky. 

Problems related with MTP: 

• The majority of the MTPs are performed illegally. Misuse of amniocentesis test for foetal sex determination.
• If the foetus is female, it is followed by MTP. Such practices are dangerous for the young mother and foetus.
• Effective counselling on the importance of avoiding unprotected coitus and the risk factors implicated in illegal abortions, as well as increased health care facilities, could help to reverse the aforementioned hazardous trend.