In India, abortion is a major public health, social, and gender problem that is intimately related to women's health, reproductive rights, and general well-being. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act provides a legal framework, but access to safe and reasonably priced abortion procedures is still inconsistent among social classes and geographical areas. This study looks at how abortion affects gender health and wellbeing in India, emphasizing aspects related to physical, psychological, social, and reproductive health. It investigates how abortion-related experiences and results are impacted by variables such gender inequity, low knowledge, societal stigma, poor healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic inequities. According to the study, having access to safe abortion services improves women's health by lowering maternal mortality, stopping unsafe abortion practices, and increasing reproductive autonomy. However, many women—especially those from underprivileged communities—are frequently forced to seek risky procedures due to obstacles to accessing healthcare, which can lead to major health issues and psychological suffering. The wider effects of abortion on gender health, such as women's empowerment, ability to make decisions, level of education, and involvement in the economy, are also covered in this study. The study highlights the necessity of bolstering reproductive healthcare services, advocating gender-sensitive legislation, raising knowledge of legal rights, and tackling the social stigma associated with abortion. It is based on secondary data and current literature. Improving gender health outcomes and accomplishing more general objectives of gender equality and sustainable development in India depend on ensuring fair access to safe abortion services.
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Dr. SAKSHI OJHA
308-316
10.5281/zenodo.20570146
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