Revising the current MTP Act: Hasn't the time come yet??

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act puts a ceiling of 20 weeks for termination of pregnancy, except in cases which are immediately necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman. However, in some special cases, judgments have been made in favour of termination even beyond this specified time limit. Unwanted pregnancy, especially if occurring as an outcome of rape, is considered as a social stigma, all over the world but the physical trauma and mental agony of the woman in continuing that pregnancy is often overlooked. Relief from such a burden is possible to some extent if termination of pregnancy is performed in all those cases where continuation is not desired or intended by the pregnant woman. We report a case of an unmarried 19 yrs old pregnant girl, who presented to the court in advanced stage with a plea for termination of pregnancy; a board of doctors was constituted to opine for the same. The question as to whether such upper limit or ceiling is truly required or does it need to be extended, along with the requisite amendment in the current MTP act is being addressed.