The Supreme Court today ordered the medical termination of pregnancy of a 14-year-old rape survivor from Maharashtra. The pregnancy is almost in its 28th week. The Court asked Dean of Lokmanya Tilak Hospital in Mumbai to set up a team of doctors. The State government has agreed to take care of all the expenses and medical needs.
The apex Court’s order came after the recommendation of a medical team which said the continuation of the pregnancy would affect the physical and emotional well-being of the minor.
The doctors had recommended that a certain degree of risk was attached to the medical termination of the pregnancy, but the threat to her life was not higher than delivery at full term.
A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice J B Pardiwala heard the case of the pregnant minor as a priority.
The Supreme Court had earlier ordered her medical examination following her mother’s plea against the Bombay High Court’s decision refusing permission for abortion due to the pregnancy being at an advanced stage.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati represented the government in this case. According to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, termination is allowed up to 24 weeks for married women, rape survivors, and vulnerable groups like the differently-abled and minors.
Disclaimer: This press release is sourced from News On AIR, Prasar Bharti and Press Information Bureau India (PIB).
