Abortion Rights in the 21st Century: An Examination of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971

This article takes a comprehensive look at abortion rights in the 21st century, focusing on the Indian Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act and its implications for women's reproductive health. The article provides an in-depth analysis of the key provisions of the MTP Act, including recent amendments, and compares the Indian law with the current legal landscape in the United States and other developed countries. In addition, the article examines landmark cases related to the MTP Act, including Ms. X v. Union of India (2015), Nikita Mehta v. Union of India (2020), and Re:Rekha Mishra (2017), and how they have impacted the interpretation and implementation of the law. The article also highlights the significance of the MTP Act for rape survivors, exploring how the law has provided greater access to safe and legal abortion for women who have experienced sexual violence. Case studies of survivors who have navigated the legal system under the MTP Act illustrate the challenges and successes in ensuring reproductive justice for marginalized communities. Finally, the article considers the broader implications of abortion rights in the 21st century, analyzing the role of reproductive justice in ensuring access to safe and legal abortion for all women.