While most abnormalities can be detected by the 20th week, experts maintain that certain conditions are not clear till the later stages of pregnancy. “Abnormalities of the heart (as in the case of the Mehtas), kidney and spine are usually not clear till last stages of pregnancy. In such cases, abortions should be allowed,” said Dr Kaul.

“The MTP act in India is very clear. If it’s an unwanted pregnancy till 12 weeks, only one registered MTP provider can certify that the pregnancy can be terminated, between 12-20 weeks the termination of pregnancy has to be certified by two providers registered under MTP Act,” said Dr Suneeta Mittal, head of obstetrics and gynaecology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

In most cases, when doctors diagnose abnormalities after 20 weeks, a committee is constituted and it takes the final decision. “We cannot go against the law of the land. But when we come across a case when the child is not capable of surviving, the usual policy is to constitute an expert committee. Besides the child’s chances of survival, doctors consider the parents situation before decision on the likelihood of abortion,” said Dr Mittal.

National experts, the World Health Organization and Indian Council for Medical Research will soon submit recommendations on safe second-trimester abortions to the government. “We had a meeting last month in which we discussed the need for a provision to abort the foetus, once it is established the child’s condition is incompatible with life,’ said Dr Mittal.