One case cannot be the argument to amend a law, said Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss today reacting to the High Court verdict in the Nikita Mehta case and echoing several experts who have joined the nationwide debate. But he added that a “broad discussion” would take place on “all aspects of such cases.”

High time that happened, say doctors.

With the High Court rejecting the Mehtas’ petition to abort their 26-week foetus, the Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society of India (FOGSI) wants to increase the cut-off time for allowing abortion, from the current 20 weeks to at least 24-26 weeks as in most states in the United States and the UK.

This is the second attempt by the group to get the cut-off raised after the 2002 amendment of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act.

“I am a little disappointed because ultimately it is the woman’s right to choose. However, taking this case, the High Court could have given directives to draft fresh guidelines,” said Jaydeep Tank, MTP committee chairperson at FOGSI. “This matter was important enough for the judiciary to look beyond legislation.”

“I believe the apprehension is that if one allows abortion beyond the stipulated time, it will abuse the current law. MTP Act is a terrific act, the best abortion law in the world, but it needs to be updated. The current act is based on the technology used in 1971. With newer techniques, the law should be amended,” said Tank.

... contd.