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

'Life begins at conception': Tamil Nadu Speaker sparks row over anti-abortion remarks TOI News Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Aug 11, 2026, 12:11 IST Comments Share AA Text Size Small Medium Large Tamil Nadu speaker says 'life begins at conception' at anti-abortion march Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar attended the 5th National March for Life as the chief guest on August 8 and 9.During the gathering, which protested abortion rights and advocated for the protection of unborn life, he reportedly said that “life begins at conception," as cited by PTI.The event, hosted by the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore at Stella Maris College, drew more than 5,000 participants. The gathering also explicitly criticised the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act.Prabhakar’s remarks echoed global anti-abortion sentiments expressed at the event, which focused on opposing abortion rights and advocating for the protection of unborn life.The remarks prompted state Health Minister K G Arunraj to clarify on Monday that abortions can be a medical necessity and are strictly regulated under national law.Responding to reporters during a press conference to announce the MBBS/BDS rank list for 2026-27, the Health Minister sought to address the controversy, saying he was unaware of the context in which the Speaker made the remarks and urging the public not to misinterpret them. "Abortion is regulated through the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act," the minister stated."Legally, as per the current law, women can legally undergo an abortion up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. In the medical field, across many circumstances, abortion is a definitive medical necessity, and it is something we must do."Asked about the constitutional and political implications of the Speaker’s anti-abortion stance, the minister sought to distinguish the state’s health framework from Prabhakar’s personal views.“I do not know in what sense the Honourable Assembly Speaker made those comments. Please do not misunderstand it,” he said. The TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most."