High Court allows 13-yr-old rape victim to terminate pregnancy

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Friday directed that the 26-week pregnancy of a 13-year-old rape victim be terminated.

A report prepared by a team of doctors at JJ Hospital was submitted before a Division Bench of Justice Shantanu Kemkar and Justice M.S. Karnik. The court said it is clear that the doctors are of the opinion that it is not advisable to continue the pregnancy.

“It is also clear that according to the psychiatrist, the victim is extremely anguished with the pregnancy. The report said the continuation of pregnancy may endanger her life. There is every likelihood to develop pregnancy-related complications like anemia, hypertension as well as complications during labour,” the Bench said.

The HC also said it appears that the doctors had interacted with the minor and her mother, and both of them have expressed the desire to terminate pregnancy. “They were made aware of the dangers of the continuation of the pregnancy and termination.”

The court said, “Taking into consideration the report and the victim’s age, it will be appropriate and in the interest of justice to permit her to undergo the medical termination of pregnancy under the provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.”

The Bench directed the victim to be present at JJ Hospital on May 5 for the procedure.