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The current upper gestation period for a medical termination of pregnancy is 20 weeks. The Union Cabinet has approved for the period to be increased to 24 weeks for special categories of women. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 is all set to be amended in the coming session of Parliament.
The new rules will include minors, differently abled women, victims of rape etc. However the upper gestation limit will not apply to cases of foetal abnormalities diagnosed by the Medical Board. The names and other details of a woman whose pregnancy has been terminated shall not be revealed to anyone except to a person authorized by law. This will ensure dignity, autonomy and justice to the women who need to terminate the pregnancy.
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