Supreme Court Allows 14-year-old Rape Victim To Abort 28-week Pregnancy

The Supreme Court on Monday ordered immediate medical termination of 28-week pregnancy of a 14-year-old rape victim.

A bench headed by CJI D Y Chandrachud set aside an order of the Bombay High Court while noting that medical board at Sion has clearly opined that the continuation of the pregnancy may impact the physical and mental well-being of minor.

The bench further noted that while a certain degree of risk is involved, the board has opined that the threat in carrying out the termination is not higher than than the risk in full delivery.

The Dean at Sion Hospital is requested to undertake the medical termination of minor, the bench said.

Earlier on Friday, the apex court ordered the medical examination of the rape victim who has sought termination of her 28-week pregnancy.

The bench assembled to hear the matter urgently, after perusing an e-mail sent on behalf of the rape survivor seeking urgent judicial intervention.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati represented the government in the matter.

Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, the upper limit for termination of pregnancy is 24 weeks for married women as well as for those in special categories, including rape survivors, and other vulnerable women, such as the differently-abled and minors.

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