Abortion and the Indian Penal Code
Until 1971, the law relating to abortions was exclusively governed by the Indian Penal Code. Enacted in 1860, it reflects the prevailing morality and makes abortion an offence, except when it is performed to save the life of the women. Under the IPC any one causing miscarriage is, unless it is done in good faith to save the life of the pregnant women, is liable to imprisonment for three years. If the woman is quick with the child (i.e. the child has assumed foetal form, normally after 5 months) the punishment can be imprisonment up to seven years as stated in the Section 312 of the IPC. If the miscarriage is caused without the consent of women, the person is liable for imprisonment for life or ten years, as given in the
