Quick answer: what the MTP Act allows
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act allows legal abortion in India.
If you are 18 years or older, only your consent is required.
Abortions can be safely performed by registered doctors at approved centres.
The law exists to protect women from unsafe abortions and ensure access to medical care.
At Proactive For Her, many women delay care because they are unsure whether abortion is legal or fear being judged. Seeking information or medical help is lawful, valid, and confidential.
What is the MTP Act and why does it exist
MTP stands for Medical Termination of Pregnancy. The MTP Act is a central law that governs abortion in India. It was introduced to reduce deaths and complications caused by unsafe abortions, which were a major public health issue.
This law is not about morality. It is a healthcare law. Its primary goal is to ensure that women can access safe, regulated abortion services instead of being forced into unsafe methods.
A common misconception is that abortion is illegal unless you are married or have family approval. This is incorrect. The MTP Act applies to all women, regardless of marital status.
Key provisions of the MTP Act explained simply
Gestational limits
Under Indian law, abortion is permitted up to specific stages of pregnancy depending on medical opinion and circumstances, as laid out in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971 and its 2021 amendment.
- Abortion is allowed up to 20 weeks with the opinion of one registered medical practitioner.
- Abortion is allowed between 20 and 24 weeks for certain categories of women, including survivors of rape or incest, minors, women with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, with the opinion of two registered medical practitioners.
- Beyond 24 weeks, abortion may be permitted if a state-level Medical Board diagnoses substantial fetal abnormalities.
Early abortion is medically simpler and safer, which is why doctors encourage seeking care as soon as possible.
(Reference: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, MTP Amendment Act, 2021; WHO India)
Who can provide an abortion
Abortions must be performed by registered medical practitioners at government hospitals or clinics approved under the MTP Act. Doctors must meet prescribed training and registration requirements.
This legal framework exists to ensure safety, medical accountability, and standardised care.
(Reference: MTP Act, 1971; MoHFW Guidelines)
Consent rules
- If you are 18 years or older, only your consent is required.
- You do not need consent from your husband, partner, parents, or family members.
- If you are under 18, consent from a parent or legal guardian is mandatory.
This is settled law under the MTP Act and reinforced by court interpretations. It is not a personal preference of doctors or clinics.
(Reference: MTP Act, Section 3; Supreme Court interpretations on reproductive autonomy)
Confidentiality
The MTP Act mandates strict privacy and confidentiality. A woman’s identity and personal details cannot be disclosed, except under very limited legal circumstances.
Doctors and healthcare providers are legally required to protect confidentiality, and violations can attract penalties.
(Reference: MTP Amendment Act, 2021; MoHFW Rules)
How the MTP Act impacts women’s health
Before the MTP Act, many women in India resorted to unsafe abortions, leading to serious health complications and preventable deaths. Legal access to abortion has significantly reduced these outcomes.
The law allows both medical abortion (pills) and procedural abortion, depending on gestational age and medical suitability. WHO guidelines show that safe abortion, when done early and under medical supervision, carries very low risk.
At Proactive, we see that fear and misinformation often delay care, making the process more complicated. Early, safe access improves both physical and emotional outcomes.
(Reference: WHO Safe Abortion Guidelines; MoHFW)
The emotional and social side of abortion
There is no single “correct” way to feel about abortion. Some women feel relief, some sadness, some neutrality, and many experience a mix of emotions.
At Proactive, women often share that their biggest fear is not the procedure itself, but being judged. Stigma and secrecy increase stress and delay care.
From a mental health perspective, abortion does not harm a woman’s character, morality, or long-term emotional health. What causes harm is being shamed, coerced, or denied accurate information. Emotional support is a legitimate part of abortion care.
(Reference: WHO, American Psychological Association summaries cited by MoHFW)
The current state of abortion law in India
India’s abortion law has evolved to expand access and clarify rights. The 2021 amendment removed outdated language, expanded gestational limits for many women, and strengthened privacy protections. It explicitly includes unmarried women and recognises mental health as a valid ground.
Despite this, many women still rely on outdated or incorrect information from the internet, chemists, or family members. This leads to unnecessary fear and unsafe decisions. The clinic should have the required licenses to be able to perform MTP
The legal position today is clear: abortion is legal in India under the MTP Act when provided by registered doctors following the law.
(Reference: MoHFW, MTP Amendment Act, 2021; WHO India)
Common barriers women still face
Societal attitudes
Despite the law, abortion remains stigmatised. Many women fear being labelled or judged, particularly if unmarried.
Medical gatekeeping
Some providers impose personal beliefs, ask for unnecessary permissions, or refuse care. This goes against both the letter and intent of the MTP Act.
Misinformation
Advice from unverified sources can be inaccurate or dangerous, especially around abortion pills and legality.
These barriers are real and frustrating. They are not a reflection of women’s rights under the law.
(Reference: WHO Rights-Based Abortion Care Framework)
What to expect when seeking an abortion
Knowing what will happen can reduce anxiety.
First, pregnancy is confirmed, usually through a urine test or ultrasound. A consultation follows, where the doctor explains options based on gestational age.
The procedure, whether medical or procedural, is explained clearly before any decision is made. Aftercare instructions are provided, and follow-up is discussed if needed.
Throughout the process, consent, privacy, and comfort must be respected. You have the right to ask questions and take time to decide within the legal window.
(Reference: MoHFW Clinical Guidelines)
Why non-judgmental care matters
Judgment delays care. When women feel interrogated or shamed, they avoid healthcare settings, increasing medical risk.
WHO and global health bodies recommend rights-based, non-judgmental abortion care. This means respecting autonomy, providing clear information, and not imposing personal values.
One of the most common things women say at Proactive is, “I just want to be treated normally.” That is not a big ask. It is basic healthcare.
(Reference: WHO Abortion Care Guideline, 2022)
Why Proactive For Her
Proactive For Her runs women-led, non-judgmental clinics trusted by over 50,000 women. We offer free urine pregnancy tests at all clinics and ensure clear information before any decision is made.
If you are 18 or older, only your consent is required. Our doctors are trained to follow MTP Act guidelines strictly, ensuring lawful and safe care. All consultations are confidential and private, with multiple clinics across Bangalore.
Women often describe relief when they realise they will be listened to, not questioned or coerced. That sense of safety is intentional.
Abortion is healthcare. The MTP Act exists to protect you, not to frighten you. You deserve clear information, respectful care, and the freedom to make decisions about your own body.