IPC Section 312 — Causing miscarriage

the causing miscarriage, injuries to unborn children, the exposure infants, and the concealment births

Criminal

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine

As the section puts it: “shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine”

Summary

If a person intentionally causes a pregnant woman to miscarry, they can be punished with up to three years in prison, a fine, or both, unless the miscarriage was done in good faith to save the woman’s life. If the woman was “quick with child” (meaning the baby had started moving in the womb), the punishment increases to up to seven years in prison, along with a possible fine.

Official Text

Whoever voluntarily causes a woman with child to miscarry, shall if such miscarriage be not caused in good faith for the purpose of saving the life of the woman, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both; and, if the woman be quick with child, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

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