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Theology e-weekly
On the Amendment of
MTP Act
-Mother Teresa
Page - 02
The first
right of
the
human
person is
his life. It
does not
belong to
society,
nor does
it belong
to public
authority
in any
form to
act
against
this right.
History of Abortion
The practice of abortion was common even in the ancient world..
many cultures (Assyrian, Babylonian, Sumerian, Hittite)
considered abortion as a serious crime. That is why in
Hippocratic oath it is stated , I will not give a woman a
pessary to produce an abortion. The Jewish historian
Josephus wrote against abortion.
Page - 03
A Christian's
outlook cannot
be limited to the
horizon of life
world is to
turn one's
in this world.
To measure
happiness by
the absence
of sorrow and
misery in this
back on the
Gospel.
who
procure
the
Page - 04
Sixtus
condemned
the
propositions
of
are
abominable
crimes."
Page - 05
Whose Rights
Right from fertilization, the adventure of a human life
and its capacities requires time to evolve and become a fully
grown baby. So it is not up to biological sciences to make a
definitive judgment on human personhood and legitimacy of
The Medical
Termination
destiny.
of Pregnancy
What Rights
(MTP) Act
in India came
into
existence
in 1971
based on the
recommenda
tions of the
Shah
Committee.
Background
Having recollected the catholic perspective on
abortion , we now move on to the current issue.
The Act was earlier amended in 2003 to facilitate better
implementation and increase access for women . However, 38
years after the implementation of a liberal MTP Act, unsafe
abortions continue to outnumber safe and legal abortions in the
country contributing to eight percent of the total maternal
deaths in India.
Page - 06
pregnancies to one .
would also allow abortion any time during the pregnancy for "selective" foetal
abnormality, which cannot be detected during the 20-week gestation period.
Page - 07
A 24 week
foetus can
survive if
taken from
womb and
medical
assistance.
Therefore,
extending
gestation
period from
20 to 24
narrows the
line between
infanticide
and to
foeticide.
it
is
necessary
to
denounce