When medical termination of pregnancy was legally approved in India ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct answer to the question "When medical termination of pregnancy was legally approved in India?" is Option 2: 1971. Here is a detailed explanation supporting this answer:

1. **Explanation for Option 2 (1971):**
   - The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act was enacted by the Indian Parliament in 1971. This legislation was a significant step in providing legal access to abortion services in India. The Act was introduced to reduce the incidence of illegal and unsafe abortions, which were a major public health concern. It allowed for the termination of certain pregnancies by registered medical practitioners under specific conditions, such as risk to the life of the woman, grave physical or mental health issues, fetal abnormalities, or pregnancies resulting from rape or contraceptive failure (in the case of married women). The enactment of this law in 1971 marked the official legal approval of medical termination of pregnancy in India.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1 (1947):**
     - In 1947, India gained independence from British rule. During this time, there were no specific laws regarding the medical termination of pregnancy. The focus was primarily on establishing the new government and addressing various socio-economic issues. The MTP Act was not introduced until 1971, making 1947 an incorrect option.

- **Option 3 (1958):**
     - In 1958, there was no legislation in India that specifically addressed the medical termination of pregnancy. The legal framework for abortion was still under development, and it wasn't until 1971 that the MTP Act was enacted. Therefore, 1958 is not the correct year for the legal approval of medical termination of pregnancy in India.

- **Option 4 (1960):**
     - Similar to 1958, the year 1960 did not witness any legal approval for the medical termination of pregnancy in India. The discussions and considerations for such legislation were ongoing, but the formal approval and enactment occurred in 1971. Hence, 1960 is also an incorrect option.

In conclusion, the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1971 was the pivotal legislation that legally approved the medical termination of pregnancy in India, making Option 2 the correct answer.