The India Story | SC’s landmark abortion ruling: a step in the right direction?

The Supreme Court has passed a judgement being hailed as "historic" and "a big step forward" for women's rights. The ruling says that all women, including those unmarried, have equal rights to abortion. While the verdict is a huge step towards securing the bodily autonomy of women in our country, it is also notable for recognising marital rape as a crime under the ambit of the MTP Act, perhaps a hint to the Court’s eventual viewpoint on the issue when it is listed as a petition.

The progressive nature of this judgement stands in stark contrast to the regressive stance of the United States Supreme Court, which overturned the crucial Roe v. Wade judgement earlier this year, paving the way for many states to completely ban access to safe and legal abortions.

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While the Supreme Court’s judgement is a landmark in the fight for equality, is there still work to be done? What does this mean for women’s rights in India, and will a change in laws lead to a change in societal attitudes? On this week’s episode of The India Story, Vikram Chandra discusses with experts the significance of this ruling.