Question : AMENDMENT TO MTP ACT

(a) the details of the last national family health survey regarding females seeking abortion for different reasons and the number of death of women due to lack of adequate healthcare facilities for the purpose;

(b) the details of new scientific and technological developments available to help determine the abortion requirements of a female;

(c) whether the Government proposes to amend the existing Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (MTPA) in view of the recent court judgement and to make it more flexible in line with present day ethical and social structure and value system and also in view of the availability of new scientific and technological developments; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE(SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)

(a) The national family health survey is conducted from time to time to capture information on the fertility, family planning, reproductive and child health and health seekin behavior of the population. The latest survey pertains to the year 2005-06 and does not provide information on females seeking abortion for different reasons and the number of death of women due to lack of adequate healthcare facilities for the purpose.

(b) The abortion requirement of women is to be seen in light of the proviso under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, as amended from time to time.

(c) & (d) The Government of India presently has no proposal to amend the existing Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (MTPA).