'Life begins at conception': Tamil Nadu Speaker sparks row over anti-abortion remarks

Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar sparked controversy during the 5th National March for Life, held on August 8 and 9, by asserting that "life begins at conception." The event, organized by the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore, attracted over 5,000 attendees and vehemently opposed the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act.

Prabhakar's remarks mirrored the global anti-abortion stance echoed at the gathering. State Health Minister K G Arunraj clarified that abortions are a medical necessity and strictly regulated by law, emphasizing that women can legally undergo an abortion up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. The minister urged the public not to misconstrue the Speaker's remarks, distinguishing his personal views from the state's health framework.