Is Abortion Legal in India for Unmarried Girls?

Is Abortion Legal in India for Unmarried Girls?

With a rise in the number of pregnancies amongst unmarried girls, the abortion laws in India were introduced to spread awareness regarding the legality and safe procedures to get an abortion in India. Let’s face it: despite living in the 21st century, most of the women especially unmarried girls hesitate to talk about the term ‘abortion’ in society.

Understand the Abortion Laws in India for Unmarried Girls

Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971 made the availability of abortion facilities in India. The act permits to terminate the pregnancy until 12 weeks of pregnancy with a confirmation of a medical practitioner. For between 12-20 weeks of pregnancy, women require the confirmation of two medical practitioners. Beyond 20 weeks, there are some provisions followed to have a termination in case a woman has a severe disease or enduring with any mental or physical issues that can cause harm to her health and her child.

If you’re unmarried, do not lean on to others. They might give you the wrong advice. You can talk to the person who you can have faith. Don’t let anyone mislead you that you can’t abort. Consult the right gynaecologists and obstetrician in Delhi, India to get proper assistance and know the policies related to your pregnancy. Try to figure out what’s best for you.

Who can perform an Abortion in India?

After clearing your doubts about the legality of abortion in India. You should focus on some important aspects to have a safe and legal abortion in India. Below are the qualifications a doctor needs to have to perform an abortion:

  • A registered medical practitioner of having at least 25 years of experience in termination of pregnancy can perform an abortion.
  • A surgeon having 6 months of experience in gynaecology and obstetrics can perform an abortion.
  • A person who has a diploma or degree in gynaecology and obstetrics.
  • A doctor who registered before implementation of MTP Act and who has three years of in gynaecology and obstetrics.

Conditions for Unmarried Girls to Get a Legal Abortion in India

A woman who is unmarried and above 18 years of age is allowed to give her own consent to get an abortion in India. In case, a woman is unmarried and below the age of 18, she needs to provide consent of her guardian who can take care of her. The consent from her guardian must include the valid reason for the termination. The abortion laws in India for unmarried girls states the legal age for abortion is 18 years. Also, if a woman is not mentally stable, then she must provide the consent from her guardian according to the MTP Act, 1971.

Procedure to Get an Abortion for Unmarried Girls

Abortion is a deliberate and effective method to terminate the unwanted pregnancy. There are two types of abortion procedures that are performed depending upon the pregnancy stage. It can be done in two ways - Medical or Surgical.

Medical Abortion: A woman who is less than 6 weeks pregnancy can opt for medical abortion in India. In this method, a pregnancy is ended with the help of abortion pills and medications. No surgery is required under this method. It should be performed under the supervision of a skilled medical practitioner.

Surgical Abortion: A women beyond 6 weeks of gestation can undergo a surgical abortion in India. In this method, the pregnancy is removed vaginally using a gentle suction method. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Generally, a doctor will perform an ultrasound test to determine the pregnancy stage and some other tests before an abortion. The most important step is don't panic. Know life have not destroyed just because you got pregnant before marriage. Don’t take any pills without consulting a doctor it can cause serious health issues. Speak to the professionals in Delhi, India as soon as you can for the right guidance.