Yes, an unmarried woman is legally allowed to have an abortion in India.
Legal Framework:
Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971, and its amendments (especially the MTP Amendment Act, 2021), the law allows all women — regardless of marital status — to access abortion services under certain conditions.
Key Points:
As per the 2021 Amendment, the term "woman" is used without distinguishing between married and unmarried women.
An unmarried woman can seek abortion up to 20 weeks of pregnancy under the following conditions:
Pregnancy caused by failure of contraceptive methods used by the woman or her partner.
If continuing the pregnancy would pose a risk to the woman's physical or mental health.
In exceptional cases, abortion is allowed up to 24 weeks for certain categories (e.g., survivors of rape, incest, minors), and this includes unmarried women if they meet the criteria.
Supreme Court Ruling (2022):

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India (X v. Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Govt of NCT of Delhi) ruled that:

This judgment explicitly affirmed that unmarried women have equal rights under the MTP Act.

Yes, abortion is legal for unmarried women in India, and the Supreme Court has affirmed that all women, regardless of marital status, have the right to access safe and legal abortion services up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, which governs abortion in India, has been interpreted to include unmarried women, particularly in cases of contraceptive failure, and the Supreme Court has reinforced this interpretation.

Is Abortion Legal in India For Unmarried Women?
Yes, abortion is legal in India for unmarried women, but under certain conditions. It became possible after the amendments that were made in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, and also Pro-choice movement activists who are working hard for reproductive rights. According to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 2021, the failure of contraceptives is a valid ground for abortion for an unmarried woman. In adult young women, abortion can be done with their consent. However, in a minor girl, consent from her guardian is needed with a proper reason to terminate the pregnancy.

Legality:
Abortion is legal for unmarried women in India under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act.

Supreme Court ruling:
The Supreme Court has clarified that the MTP Act applies to all women, including unmarried women, and that marital status cannot be a barrier to accessing abortion services.

24-week limit:
Under the MTP Act, abortions are generally permitted up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, though specific requirements like the number of medical practitioners needed may vary based on the stage of pregnancy.

Grounds for abortion:
Unmarried women can seek abortion under the same grounds as married women, including risk to the woman's life or health, substantial risk of the child being born with a handicap, or if the pregnancy resulted from rape or contraceptive failure.

Contraceptive failure:
Failure of contraceptives is a valid ground for abortion for both married and unmarried women.

Access to safe services:
It's important to ensure access to safe and legal abortion services, which can be found at government-approved hospitals or clinics.

Yes, an unmarried woman is legally allowed to have an abortion in India. Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971, abortions are permitted based on various grounds—like risk to her physical or mental health, foetal abnormalities, or pregnancy resulting from rape or contraceptive failure—regardless of marital status.

In 2021, the Act was amended to extend the limit for termination up to 24 weeks for all women—originally applicable to survivors of rape, minors, and other specific categories . Importantly, in September 2022, the Supreme Court clarified that unmarried women have equal rights to abortion up to 24 weeks, ruling that distinctions based on marital status violate Articles 14 (equality) and 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Constitution. The Court emphasized that bodily autonomy and dignity are fundamental rights, and medical consent—rather than marital consent or third-party authorization—is the sole requirement for adult women .

In practical terms, unmarried women over 18 can obtain safe and legal abortions on the same grounds as married women, up to 20 weeks with one doctor’s approval and up to 24 weeks with two doctors (or state medical board thereafter) certifying that the pregnancy poses risk to her health or involves foetal abnormalities . If under 18, guardian consent is needed.

In summary, Indian law fully supports an unmarried woman’s right to abortion on medical and legal grounds, ensuring equal access, no discrimination, and respect for her autonomy.

Yes, an unmarried woman can legally have an abortion in India. Up to 20 weeks needs her consent only. Up to 24 weeks allowed under special conditions. Supreme Court has confirmed this right.