This thread is for those who missed #MTPBill2020 that has been passed in the Lok Sabha & set to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha once Parliament is in session again.

I thank @CHLET_JGU for these posts that highlights critical gaps in the Bill.

#AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
The MTP Act, 1971 was passed as a population control strategy rather than a legislation to further the reproductive autonomy of pregnant women. Like the Act, the MTP Bill 2020 does not allow for abortion on request.

#AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
The MTP Act, 1971 was passed as a population control strategy rather than a legislation to further the reproductive autonomy of pregnant women. Like the Act, the MTP Bill 2020 does not allow for abortion on request. #AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
The MTP Act, 1971 was passed as a population control strategy rather than a legislation to further the reproductive autonomy of pregnant women. Like the Act, the MTP Bill 2020 does not allow for abortion on request. #AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
The MTP Act, 1971 was passed as a population control strategy rather than a legislation to further the reproductive autonomy of pregnant women. Like the Act, the MTP Bill 2020 does not allow for abortion on request. #AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
Historically, laws restricting or criminalizing abortion have been passed with little or no discussion, and a complete lack of consultation with those most affected.

#AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
The #MTPBill2020 proposes to change the gestational limit for abortion in the MTP Act. Abortions will now be allowed up to 24 weeks (as opposed to 20 weeks), but this is again conditional.

#AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
Up to 20 weeks, approval of one doctor is still required & conditions of the MTP Act apply. From 20-24 weeks, two doctors must approve, but abortions are only available for "certain categories" of women. Thus, the framework is still doctor-centric.

#AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
It strips away pregnant persons' autonomy. Therefore, abortions should be allowed for all pregnant persons AT WILL at least up to 24 weeks, and even thereafter, in consultation with their doctor.

#AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
It mandates setting up of Medical Boards for diagnosis of foetal 'abnormalities' to allow abortions post 24 weeks. There is no mention of Medical Boards in the MTP Act. These boards are a form of third party authorisation.

#AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
Third-party authorisation can lead to extreme and unnecessary delays in abortion access. Further, an examination of a pregnant person by multiple specialists violates their right to privacy.

#AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
Third-party authorisation can lead to extreme and unnecessary delays in abortion access. Further, an examination of a pregnant person by multiple specialists violates their right to privacy. #AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
Third-party authorisation can lead to extreme and unnecessary delays in abortion access. Further, an examination of a pregnant person by multiple specialists violates their right to privacy. #AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
This amendment is also urban-centric as the presence of specialists in rural areas is limited. This leads to a disproportionate impact on marginalised groups.

#AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
The terminology used in the Bill is incorrect and exclusionary. First, the use of the word “abnormalities” makes the bill anti-disability by reinforcing the view that a foetus with potential disabilities is undesirable.

#AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
The term 'abnormalities' should be replaced with “anomalies” instead. The use of the word “woman” in the bill excludes transgender, intersex and gender diverse people. We suggest that the word woman be removed, and replaced with “person”.

#AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
So as to not limit the access to sexual and reproductive health care to cisgender women.

It is imperative that the Bill is drafted again after wide consultation with various stakeholders.

#AbortionIsARight #MTPBill2020
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