The Niketa Mehta case has forced the Union Health Ministry to mull changes in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. At a meeting held last week, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss directed experts to study the Act and compare it with the relevant laws in other countries.

“The Act is quite old and it is necessary to look at it. If the experts think that the Act requires amendments, we will work towards that,” said Ramadoss. “I am expecting comprehensive recommendations from the experts,” he added.

In India, an unwanted pregnancy can be terminated till 20 weeks, while it is 24 weeks in US, UK and Canada, and 28 weeks in Australia. Niketa Mehta, a resident of Mumbai, had approached the court seeking to abort her 24-week foetus after it was found to have a congenital heart blockage. Over a week after the court turned down her plea, she suffered a miscarriage.

The Health Ministry feels it is necessary to take a re-look at the Act, keeping in mind the advancements in science and technology.