The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court mooted an extension of the gestation period for termination of pregnancy from the present 20 weeks to 24 weeks. They were concerned about the increase in cases of unwanted pregnancies due to rape and forced relationships. The Court ordered notice to both the Central and State Governments and sought their reply.
A Division Bench comprising of Justices N.Kirubakaran and S S. Sundar observed that it was a matter of urgency for the Government to amend the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 by extending the permissable termination period from 20 weeks to 24 weeks. Doctors find it difficult to diagnose abnormalities in the foetus within 20 weeks. If the period was extended, it could help in avoiding unnecessary pregnancy. The matter has been posted to June 24th for the Governments to file their counter affidavits.
