HC: List steps to frame uniform policy on MTP

Chandigarh, February 27

Nearly a year has lapsed since a Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971, for termination of advanced-stage pregnancies in view of medical opinion. But the same was stated to be still pending.

Referring to the Bill and other aspects related to termination of pregnancies in advanced stages, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has asserted that a uniform policy was required to be formulated to deal with all such cases. The assertion came as the High Court issued a notice to the Union of India for March 1.

Justice Arun Monga also asked Additional Solicitor General of India Satya Pal Jain to apprise the court on the steps being taken or contemplated to frame a uniform policy on legal termination of pregnancies, where medical opinion was strongly in its favour. Apart from easier access to justice, such a policy would also ensure the deserved dignity and confidentiality to the women, confronted with such legal impediments, Justice Monga added.

The matter was brought to Justice Monga’s notice by a pregnant woman through counsel Ranjan Lakhanpal. Justice Monga asserted the legal and moral predicament of the court, yet again, was whether to permit a pregnant mother to abort the life of foetus aged 23 weeks plus five days, before completion of gestation period. Medical reports to terminate pregnancy were in the mother’s favour. But, legal impediment in view of the statutory mandate envisaged under the provisions of the Act did not allow the doctors to implement their medical recommendation. — TNS