Bhubaneswar, Sep 23: The Odisha Government has decided to implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) concerning Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) in cases involving girls below 18 years of age in the state, incorporating pregnancies upto and beyond 24 weeks, aligned with the MTP Act, POCSO Act, and relevant judicial directives, officials said on Tuesday.

A Structured Approach to Sensitive Cases
Officials from the Health and Family Welfare Department stated that the SOP aims to ensure timely, safe, and legally compliant access to pregnancy termination services for minors. The guidelines will be circulated to all government and private healthcare facilities, with mandatory training for medical professionals on handling such cases with sensitivity and legal awareness.

The SOP outlines procedures for medical evaluation, mandatory reporting under the POCSO Act, judicial involvement for cases beyond 24 weeks, and psychological counseling for the minor and her guardians. It also emphasizes confidentiality and informed consent, ensuring that the rights of the child are protected throughout the process.

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Legal and Ethical Alignment
This initiative comes in response to increasing cases of underage pregnancies, often linked to sexual abuse, and the need for a uniform protocol across healthcare institutions. The SOP integrates legal mandates with medical ethics, aiming to reduce delays and ensure justice and care for vulnerable minors.

Public health experts and child rights advocates have welcomed the move, calling it a progressive step toward reproductive justice and child protection. The Odisha Government’s proactive stance is expected to serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges.