1. Extended Gestational Limits
- Abortion is now allowed up to 20 weeks on the opinion of one registered medical practitioner (previously it
required two for 12–20 weeks).
- For 20–24 weeks, abortion is permitted with the opinion of two doctors—for special categories like
rape/incest survivors, minors, differently-abled women, widows/divorcees, and mentally ill or disaster-
affected women

2. No Gestational Limit for Foetal Abnormalities
- In cases of substantial foetal abnormalities, the gestational limit is removed, and termination can occur at
any stage, subject to approval by a state-level Medical Board.

3. Expanded Provider Opinion Thresholds
- 20 weeks: only one doctor’s opinion needed.
- 20–24 weeks: two doctors.
- 24 weeks: must be recommended by a Medical Board

4. Medical Board Established
- Each state/UT must set up a Medical Board (gynecologist, pediatrician, radiologist/sonographer, and
others) to evaluate cases beyond 24 weeks or with significant foetal issues

5. Definitions Updated
- "Medical Board" is explicitly defined.
- "Termination of pregnancy" now covers both medical and surgical procedures

6. Expanded Applicability to Unmarried Women
- The scope now includes unmarried women, removing the restriction requiring the pregnancy to result from
contraceptive failure in a marriage

7. Privacy Protection (Section 5A)
- Introduces confidentiality obligations—medical practitioners cannot disclose the identity or details of a
woman undergoing termination except as authorized by law. Breaches can lead to up to 1 year
imprisonment, a fine, or both

8. Enhanced Rule-Making Powers
- Empowers the Central Government to frame rules regarding:
- Eligibility of medical practitioners,
- Functions of the Medical Board,
- Other procedural norms under Sections 3(2A), 3(2C), and 3(2D)

The 2021 Amendment raised the abortion limit to 24 weeks for special cases, allowed unmarried women to abort after contraceptive failure, required one doctor’s opinion up to 20 weeks and two up to 24, set up medical boards for cases beyond 24 weeks, and ensured patient privacy.

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021 made key changes:

1. Increased the abortion limit from 20 to 24 weeks for certain categories like rape survivors and minors.
2. Allowed abortion up to 20 weeks with one doctor's opinion, and up to 24 weeks with two.
3. Permitted termination beyond 24 weeks in case of serious fetal abnormalities, with Medical Board approval.
4. Extended abortion rights to unmarried women in cases of contraceptive failure.
5. Ensured confidentiality of the woman’s identity.