New Delhi, September 18: A woman does not have an absolute right when it comes to abortion, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to the Supreme Court. However, the Ministry made it clear to the apex court that the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) (Amendment) Bill, 2019 will make abortion easier and hasslefree for "vulnerable" and desirous women.

The current cap of pregnancy is 20 weeks. However, a petition filed by a doctor named Nikhil Datar asked extending the cap from 20 weeks to 26 weeks, reported The Print. Over 2,000 Fetal Remains Found at Ex-abortion Doctor's Home.

The MTP Act, 1971, allows a woman to terminate pregnancy only under specific terms and condition. The abortion can only be carried out if the pregnancy carries a risk to the mother's life or mental health. It has to be approved by a registered medical practioner. New York Passes Landmark Abortion Law That Allows Termination Even in Third Trimester if The Mother’s Health is at Risk.

The petition by Datar appeals to the court to extend the duration of cap when it comes to terminating pregnancy, reported The Print. 

The bench hearing the matter comprise of Justices Deepak Gupta and Aniruddha Bose. The matter has been posted for next hearing on September 24. The health ministry has assured that the new MTP Bill will try and take into consideration the recommendations by various people and experts.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2019 09:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).