According to the MTP Act, abortion can be done till
## Core Concept
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act is a law in India that governs the conditions under which a pregnancy can be terminated. The Act specifies the gestational age up to which an abortion can be performed. The underlying principle is to balance the rights of the woman with the need to protect the fetus, while also considering the medical and social circumstances.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
The MTP Act allows for the termination of pregnancy up to **20 weeks** under certain conditions. These conditions include if the continuation of the pregnancy would cause more harm to the physical or mental health of the woman, or if there is a risk that the child would suffer from physical or mental abnormalities. The Act was amended in 2021, extending the gestational limit from 20 to 24 weeks under specific circumstances, but historically and generally, 20 weeks was a critical cutoff.
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
- **Option A:** . This option is incorrect because 12 weeks is indeed a period during which abortion can be performed under the MTP Act, but it is not the maximum gestational age allowed.
- **Option B:** . This option is incorrect because 28 weeks exceeds the typical gestational age limit specified in the MTP Act, even after the 2021 amendment which allows for termination up to 24 weeks under certain conditions.
- **Option D:** . This option is incorrect because it does not accurately reflect the gestational age limit as per the MTP Act.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember is that the MTP Act was amended in 2021 to allow for the termination of pregnancy up to **24 weeks** under specific circumstances, including if the woman is a survivor of rape, a victim of incest, or if the pregnancy poses a risk to her physical or mental health. This change is crucial for exams and clinical practice.
## Correct Answer Line
**Correct Answer: C. 20 weeks.**