In this infographic, Ishika Garg presents a step-by-step process of the circumstances in which a pregnancy can be terminated according to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971. The Act is complemented by the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Regulations, 2003 which, among other things, set out categories of women who are eligible for termination or abortion beyond the 20-week period. Together, they act as exceptions to the offense of causing miscarriage under IPC, thereby exempting medical practitioners from liability.

We thank Sushmita Gupta for the illustrations.