Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Reproductive Health

Question:

Medical termination of pregnancy is considered relatively safe -

Options:

Upto 24 weeks of pregnancy

Upto 18 weeks of pregnancy

Upto 12 weeks of pregnancy

Upto 30 weeks of pregnancy

Correct Answer:

Upto 12 weeks of pregnancy

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3) → Upto 12 weeks of pregnancy 

Intentional or voluntary termination of pregnancy before full term is called medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) or induced abortion. Nearly 45 to 50 million MTPs are performed in a year all over the world which accounts to 1/5th of the total number of conceived pregnancies in a year. ( 1/5th = 20 % )

Government of India legalised MTP in 1971 with some strict conditions to avoid its misuse. Such restrictions are all the more important to check indiscriminate and illegal female foeticides which are reported to be high in India. MTP is to get rid of unwanted pregnancies either due to casual unprotected intercourse or failure of the contraceptive used during coitus or rapes.

MTPs are also essential in certain cases where continuation of the pregnancy could be harmful or even fatal either to the mother or to the foetus or both.

MTPs are considered relatively safe during the first trimester, i.e., upto 12 weeks of pregnancy. Second trimester abortions are much more riskier.

A pregnancy may be terminated on certain considered grounds within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy on the opinion of one registered medical practitioner. If the pregnancy has lasted more than 12 weeks, but fewer than 24 weeks, two registered medical practitioners must be of the opinion, formed in good faith.