India’s Reproductive Rights: Legal and Socio Cultural Crossroads

Abstract

India's commitment to expanding women's reproductive rights is evident in its evolving legal and policy architecture, most notably reflected in the amended Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill. Collectively, these measures aim to protect women's health, promote informed choice, and curb discriminatory practices such as sex-selective abortions. Yet, the effectiveness of these frameworks often remains compromised by entrenched social and cultural barriers, which shape both access to and perceptions of reproductive healthcare. This chapter focuses on two interrelated dimensions: (1) the contemporary legal and policy framework, analyzing key legislative provisions, judicial interventions, and governmental schemes intended to safeguard women's reproductive autonomy; and (2) the socio¬cultural barriers that hinder the translation of these policies into practical realities. Drawing on policy reviews, stakeholder interviews, and case studies from diverse regions, we illustrate how patriarchal norms, family pressures, and persistent stigma can eclipse formal legal protections. Women in rural and marginalized communities are particularly vulnerable, as they frequently face resource constraints, limited health infrastructure, and misinformation regarding their legal entitlements.