## Legal Framework of MTP Act, 1972 **Key Point:** The MTP Act, 1972 (as amended by the MTP Amendment Act, 2021) specifies different gestational limits based on the number of medical practitioners involved and the clinical circumstances. ### Gestational Limits by Medical Opinion | Gestational Period | Number of Practitioners | Conditions | | --- | --- | --- | | Up to 12 weeks | Single registered medical practitioner | Any reason (broad grounds) | | 12–20 weeks | Two registered medical practitioners | Specific grounds (fetal abnormality, maternal health risk, rape, incest, contraceptive failure) | | 20–24 weeks | Two registered medical practitioners | Only in cases of fetal abnormality or substantial risk to maternal life/health | **High-Yield:** The 2021 amendment expanded the upper limit from 20 weeks to 24 weeks for cases of fetal abnormality or maternal health risk, but the single-practitioner authority remains capped at 12 weeks. **Clinical Pearl:** A single doctor can terminate pregnancy up to 12 weeks on broad grounds (social, economic, personal reasons). Beyond 12 weeks, two doctors are mandatory and grounds become restricted. [cite:Park 26e Ch 23]
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