Topic: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. Role of women.
2. Do you agree that the recent move to amend the MTP Act, 1971 is a progressive step towards empowerment of women as it looks beyond mere termination of pregnancy and aims to assure greater reproductive rights to women? Evaluate. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
Moving to ease abortion laws in the country, the Union Cabinet is set to consider a host of changes to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971. Thus the question.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the impact of such a move taken by the government and explain in what way it shall ensure reproductive rights to women of the country.
Directive:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidences. You have to appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming a personal opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with a brief background – In recent years, there have been strong demands to raise the foetal gestation period for abortion beyond 20 weeks.
Body:
- Discuss first the existing scenario.
- Comment on the changes suggested by the Union govt.
- Explain the pros and cons of such a move.
- Discuss that the changes in law were proposed after an extensive consultation process with experts representing a range of stakeholders from central and state governments, NGOs, academic institutions, professional bodies and associations like Indian Medical Association, Indian Nursing Council and legal professionals.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the move to amend the MTP Act, 1971 is a progressive step towards empowerment of women. It will provide greater reproductive Rights to women as abortion is considered an important aspect of the reproductive health of women. Deaths and injuries from unsafe abortions are largely preventable provided services are performed legally by trained practitioners.
