Termination in Late Pregnancy
In India medical termination of pregnancy was legally allowed till 24 weeks under the MTP Act. Unfortunately, some fetal abnormalities will be diagnosed only in the third trimester as fetal development is an ongoing process and not all anomalies are diagnosed in the anomaly scan at 19-20 weeks. However, by this time the window for termination is closed. This leaves the family in a very difficult situation whereby they have realised that their unborn fetus is affected with a major health issue which could cause grave mental and/or physical handicap and there is no option of termination available.
Therefore, following a lot of medical activisms by eminent members of the medical fraternity, finally the judiciary has allowed late terminations. However; it is required that every case be reviewed by a government appointed medical college panel (which is Grant Medical college in Mumbai). Once the panel approves the decision of termination based on the diagnosis and severity of the fetal condition, pregnancy can be safely terminated.
Another small humane step is to stop the fetal heart beat before delivery to prevent such babies from being born alive. The mode of delivery will depend on the overall clinical situation and a Caesarean might still be required.
The process has now become very streamlined and hence families can approach the appropriate specialists who can guide them at every stage. As against being scared and opting for wrongful late terminations risking the mother’s life.
Dr. Ashwini Rathi is Director of Mumbai Fetal Medicine Centre, Irla Parimal society, Off Juhu lane. Andheri (W) and a consultant at Surya Mother and Child hospital, Santacruz.
For appointments please call – +91-8669227227.