Question

Below given are two statements:
Statement I: MTPs are considered relatively safe during the first trimester
Statement II: Government of India legalised MTP in 1971
In the light of above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both statement I and II are correct
• B. Both statement I and II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct and statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect and statement II is correct

Hint:

Always remember that MTP was legalized in India in 1971 with strict conditions to prevent its misuse for female foeticide.
Abortion remains safe during the first 12 weeks (1st trimester) but becomes highly hazardous in the 2nd trimester (after 12 weeks).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question belongs to Reproductive Health, focusing on the safety and legal aspects of Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) in India.
We need to evaluate the validity of both Statement I and Statement II.

Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
- Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) refers to the voluntary or intentional termination of a pregnancy before the fetus becomes viable.
- According to medical science, MTP is safest when performed during the first trimester of pregnancy (up to 12 weeks).
- Legally, the Government of India enacted the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act in 1971 to regulate and legalize MTP under strict conditions.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Let us evaluate

Statement I: "MTPs are considered relatively safe during the first trimester". This is correct. During the first trimester (up to 12 weeks of gestation), the surgical or medical procedure for abortion is straightforward and carries a low risk of maternal complications or mortality. In contrast, second-trimester abortions (after 12 weeks and up to 20 or 24 weeks) are much more complex and pose significant health risks to the mother.

• Let us evaluate

Statement II: "Government of India legalised MTP in 1971". This is also correct. To reduce maternal deaths caused by unsafe, illegal abortions and to provide legal access on compassionate, therapeutic, or contraceptive-failure grounds, the Indian Parliament passed the MTP Act in 1971, which was later amended in 2021 to expand access and safety.

• Since both statement I and statement II are correct, the correct option is (A).



Step 4: Final Answer:
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, which corresponds to option (A).