Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020?

Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020?

A. Currently, abortion requires the opinion of one doctor if it is done within 12 weeks of conception, and two doctors if it is done between 12 and 20 weeks.

B. According to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 for a pregnancy to be terminated after 24 weeks in case of substantial foetal abnormalities, the opinion of the State-level medical board is essential.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these

Explanation:

Parliament has passed the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020, which increases the upper limit for abortions from 20 to 24 weeks for certain categories of women, and removes limits in the case of substantial foetal abnormalities, with the Rajya Sabha approving the measure. Currently, abortion requires the opinion of one doctor if it is done within 12 weeks of conception, and two doctors if it is done between 12 and 20 weeks. For a pregnancy to be terminated after 24 weeks in case of substantial foetal abnormalities, the opinion of the State-level medical board is essential.