Mumbai: The issue of extension in the 20-week limit for Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) has drawn a mixed reaction from medical experts and activists, while some believe there is a need to extend the 20-week period, others disagree, pointing out that it could result in unprofessional conduct in the fraternity.

Dr Nikhil Datar a gynaecologist and activist who has challenged the current limit of 20-weeks for allowing MTP in the Supreme Court said, “The current law, which is in existence is of 1971. Before 1971 abortion for whatever reason was a criminal offence. After 1971 there was change in law but it didn’t give unconditional right to women to choose about abortion. MTP is allowed provided if it fits into five conditions mentioned in the law and allowed only up to 20-weeks only. Exception is given only when there is immediate danger to the life of the woman then 20-weeks limit is not there.”

“I believe that medical field has developed so much and technology has also changed in last 45 years. In current circumstances the conditions in law and time period is not correct because even if decision to abort the pregnancy is delayed by even one day than it is not allowed. I think this is absurdity because the woman is same the problem is same and the outcome is same but just because of delay of one day she would not be allowed to terminate her pregnancy.”

On the other hand Dr Deepak Jumani the senior sexual health physician attached to JJ Hospital and Bombay Police Hospital Nagpada said, “The amendment allowing MTP at later stages like 28 or 29 weeks is likely to result in wrong practices and there would be a lot of private practitioners who will take disadvantage of this and will try doing wrong things and make fast buck out of it. It will result in lot of unethical practices.”