The Supreme Court on Thursday said all women are entitled to choose abortion while pronouncing the judgement in the medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) case.

"Unmarried women have the right to get an abortion under the MTP Act. No distinction is made between married and unmarried women under abortion law in India," the court said.

"For purposes of abortion, rape will include marital rape," the top court said.

"Prohibiting single or unmarried pregnant women with pregnancy between 20-24 weeks from accessing abortion while allowing married women would fall foul of spirit guiding Article 14," the court said in its ruling.

The court in its judgement said, "Law in modern times is shedding the notion that marriage is a precondition for the rights of persons. The MTP act must consider the realities of today and must not be restricted by old norms. The law must not remain static and must keep in mind changing social realities."