Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
4. The landmark SC judgement that has extended the right to safe and legal abortion up to 24 weeks to unmarried and single women will go a long way in addressing anomalies in India’s abortion law and ensure right to bodily autonomy. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , The Hindu
Why the question:
The historic judgment of the Supreme Court Bench led by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud that unmarried women in a consensual relationship are also entitled to safe and legal abortion along with its strong emphasis on women’s right to bodily autonomy without the need for authorisation from a third-party to access abortion was welcomed as “progressive” and a “ray of hope” at a time sexual and reproductive rights have come under threat globally.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the various issues in India’s abortion law and the impact of recent SC judgement on it.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, write about the various issues Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act 2021 as to why the practise of illegal and unsafe abortions continues in the county – distinction between married and unmarried, lack of awareness, discrimination, stigma, lack of counselling etc. Write about its impact on the women
Next, write about how the recent judgement of SC will impact the above.
Conclusion:
Comment with a balanced way forward.
